The following are two messages from Community Leader, Cameron Bonner, concerning the senseless murder of Marquise Ortiz, one of the young men that attended the Call To Adventure Retreat in 2006:
Dear friends and supporters,
I'm so sad to have to announce the passing of one of your kids from Helen Keller Park. Marquise Ortiz was only 19 years old when his life was taken for no reason. Marquise was our original Keller Kid who was involved in everything we did at the park. He was a youth worker at Keller Park. He went to the Men's Center Call To Adventure Retreat in 2006. He helped run the projector for the BAFTA movie program at the park. He was a good young man who tried to better his life.
I ask that we all pray for his family. They are still in shock and hurting right now due to this senseless killing. Friends, we've done such a wonderful job over the years trying to stop these types of deaths but we didn't realize we were still at risk from these crimes. I've tasted so many tears over this because Marquise was family. We can't allow the monster that created these actions to define our works. Marquise was proud of his Men's Center Award as well as his relationship with Katy and the BAFTA family. Together we gave hope to an entire community.
Please give Wiz and C.U.R.E. the love and support so they can use this passing as fuel to keep doing God's works. Just imagine how many lives have been saved by ALL our efforts.
In closing, just like the earthquake in Haiti our community must find the strength to pull together and fight even harder to save our babies. This is real, people.
Pray for Marquise's family. They need us.
Rest In Peace young Marquise Ortiz, you are in our hearts forever.
The Helen Keller park family,
Cameron Bonner
A community appeal,
Is there anyone out there who can forward his mom the resources to help pay for his funeral? The date is next Tuesday and they need $3000.00 to help pay for the entire day. Victims of violence are helping with a large part but the shortfall is needed for this special youth. I understand we are in tough times but I pray someone may know a caring soul who can help. I pledge to do whatever I can to find a way to repay whoever helps in man hours fighting even harder to save as many children from these sick acts as God allows.
Here is a video put up by his peers. God help us in our time of hurt and pain.
Marquise R.I.P. You Tube Video
In closing, I stopped by Marvo's work, Mona Park. As we took a walk down memory lane I was so struck by all the kids he's now working with. I know Haiti is suffering now but folks I just wish somehow you could see all these children who are crying out for help. You see blank stares as these babies seem to know they have little hope. Me and Marvo agreed to renew our pledges to love these children, and friends Marquise is the spark to relight our flames so we can keep on fighting.
I thank you all for giving us the strength to endure. I ask you please don't lose your desire to help. It's your support that empowered us from the start. Now more then any other time do we need help.
Bless you all whether you can help or not. Rest in peace Marquise Ortiz you are and will always be in our hearts.
Cameron Bonner
Community Servant
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