Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Matthew Shepard Foundation to Mark 10 Years

On October 13, 2008, the Matthew Shepard Foundation will remember the 1998 death of Matthew Shepard, murdered in an anti-gay hate crime in Laramie, Wyoming. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a candlelight ceremony in Loring Park, featuring music and speakers — including Matthew’s mother, Judy Shepard — and is open to the public.

The evening will continue across the park at The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis with a reading of an adapted script of The Laramie Project, by Moises Kaufman. In addition, award-winning singer and songwriter, Randi Driscoll will perform her song, What Matters, written to honor the life of Matthew Shepard and the unconditional love of his family. All proceeds from the reading will benefit the work of the Foundation and its Campaign to Erase Hate.

Dennis and Judy Shepard founded the Matthew Shepard Foundation in memory of their 21-year old son, Matthew, who was murdered in an anti-gay hate crime in Wyoming in October 1998. Created to honor Matthew in a manner that was appropriate to his dreams, beliefs and aspirations, the Foundation seeks to Replace Hate with Understanding, Compassion & Acceptance through its varied educational programs and by continuing to tell Matthew’s story.

More info on the vigil and the event can be found here.

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