The South Shore News & Tribune
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Benefit Planned For Attack Victim
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Published: August 6, 2008
RUSKIN - More than three months have passed since the vicious attack and rape of an East Bay High senior at the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library.
The 18-year-old girl - who was blinded in the April 24 attack and will not be identified in this story due to the nature of the crime - is still not able to speak or swallow.
"There's a very strong possibility that she'll need assistance for the rest of her life," said Cheryl Zemina, who has known the girl and her family for three years.
Recently, a consumer insurance advocate for the Florida Department of Financial Services intervened after the family received a letter from their insurance company that it would no longer pay for care at her current rehab facility. This move will allow the girl to stay at her present location, in accordance to her doctors' and therapists' recommendations.
But a group of South Shore residents is organizing a family benefit for anyone else interested in lending a hand.
On Monday, the Ruskin VFW will host a benefit for the girl.
"The event came about because so many of her friends wanted to do something for her, but a lot of them are going to be going away to college in a few weeks," said Melanie Morrison, executive director of the Ruskin Chamber of Commerce.
The girl was less than a month away from graduation at the time and had earned a full scholarship to the University of Florida.
"Her circle of friends at East Bay included the best of the best," said Zemina, whose daughter Kristen is a close friend of the victim's and is the school's valedictorian.
"She's always been an absolutely outgoing girl," she said. "My husband calls her 'Sunshine.'"
The price of admission will include live music and a spaghetti dinner.
Additional donations also will be accepted at the event. Morrison said a donation of $10 or more will allow that person to sign an 8-foot banner, which will be presented to the girl.
"The fact that she volunteered for many events in our community made us want to step up and do something for her," Morrison said.
Those who are unable to make it to the event, but still want to pitch in, can also help.
An account has been set up for the family at SunTrust Bank and anyone can go and ask for a deposit to be made into the Bloomingdale Library Attack Victim Fund.
Kendrick Morris, 16, of Clair-Mel City has been arrested and charged with kidnapping, aggravated battery and sexual battery. He has pleaded not guilty and is currently in the Orient Road Jail, awaiting trial.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: A community benefit for the Bloomingdale Library attack victim
WHEN: 4-9 p.m. Monday
WHERE: Ruskin VFW, 5120 U.S. 41 N.
COST: $10 donation per family, $5 donation per individuals. Additional donations accepted.
INFORMATION: (813) 645-3808
Reporter John Ceballos can be reached at (813) 865-1555 or jceballos@tampatrib.com.
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