Jackson Free Press

It is truly a small world that we live in. I attended high school with Mary Heather Spencer, and even though we ran in different circles, I remember hearing of her as a truly nice person with similar adolescent aspirations on taking over the world. You wish the best to your classmates on graduation night and disperse in different directions. Then one becomes a breaking news story.

Help celebrate the memory of Heather by participating in two events designed to raise not only money but awareness of this atrocity.

The first event is the 2nd Annual Heather Spencer Soulshine Memorial Concert, taking place Oct. 17, 2009, at Hal & Mal's in downtown Jackson. The concert features food from nearby restaurants and a silent auction. The Patrick Harkins Band and Shadz of Gray are scheduled to hit the stage along with many other bands. The event raised over $10,000 last year, which will be easily surpassable this year with your help.

If you prefer warm days to cool nights, join the crews of Indian Cycle, Fleet Feet, and Indian Fitness for "DU It For Heather" a charity fitness event that includes a 5K run, a 22K bike ride and a one-mile run. This event is coordinated by Heather's T.R.E.E. and the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence, with all proceeds directly benefiting both foundations.

Heather's T.R.E.E stands for training, resources, education and empowerment. Heather's mother, Lisa Francomb, started the non-profit to aid victims of domestic violence.

Also offered are a 5K run (or walk) and a one-mile fun run. The entry fees start at $70 for a duathalon team, $35 for individual duathalon, $20 for the 5K run/walk and $15 for the fun run. Registration for the event is going on now at Indian Cycle/Indian Fitness on South Pear Orchard Road and at Fleet Feet in the Trace Shopping Center on Highway 51 in Ridgeland. Register online at http://www.racesonline.com.

For more information about Heather's T.R.E.E. and the fundraisers visit http://www.heatherstree.org or e-mail Linda Francomb at {encode="[email protected]" title="[email protected]"}.