[DP] Contribution to DP victim's family

[Richard Woodward]

Please see the note below about the tragedy that befell a victim's 
family that recently spoke out against the death penalty.

I would like to propose that TCADP-BV make a contribution to this 
cause.  Unfortunately, our govenance structure is "loose," meaning 
that what we can and cannot be do is not well defiined.  Nonetheless, 
if I hear no objections and get affirmation from at least 5 TCADP 
members, I think we could do it (we do have enough money).

My proposal is for TCADP-BV to make matching contribution up to $50 
to this cause.  Please respond indicating if you think this is a good 
idea and indicate if you'll be making a contribution.  

Rich

On 25 Dec 2004 at 12:18, TCADP-BOARD01 at yahoogroups.com wrote:

> Folks, 
> 
> It is a rare occasion that a family speaks out for life and justice as did the
> Lastrapes Family of Houston prior to the execution of Dominique Green on October 26, 
> 2004.    Dominique was on death row for the murder of Andrew Lastrapes Sr..  Mr.
> Lastrapes wife, Bernatte and her two sons, Andre and Andrew all spoke out for mercy
> for Dominique.  Andre and Andrew even visited Dominique on death row and then
> attended the protest vigil at the prison at the time of Dominique's execution.  
> 
> The Lastrapes' family home in Houston burned down on Thursday,  just before
> Christmas.  We would like to set up a fund to help them out since they are so poor.  
> Checks should be made out to Bernatte Lastrapes Luckett and mailed to me at the
> following address:
> 
> David Atwood
> 1802 Kipling St.
> Houston, TX 77098
> USA
> 
> You can also contribute to this fund by writing a check to the Texas Coalition to
> abolish the death Penalty (TCADP) and sending it to me at the same address as
> above.
> Designatae on the cheeck that the money is for Bernatte Lastrapes Luckett.  The TCADP
> is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization.  
> 
> The campaign will be run from now until the end of January.  At the end of January,
> we will summarize the contributions and publish a report.  
> 
> We may also honor the Lastrapes Family at the TCADP Annual Conference on January 29,
> 2005 in Austin. Former Governor Ryan of Illinois will be the guest speaker at the
> conference.  
> 
> Best wishes and happy holidays to everyone.
> 
> Dave Atwood   
>