Elke Kennedy established Sean’s Last Wish in 2007 after her son, Sean, was murdered in Greenville, S.C., in a hate crime because he was gay. Sean’s Last Wish wants to raise awareness to the fact that in the state of South Carolina there is no hate crime legislation to protect all human beings. The Foundation will do everything it can to educate the public about the need for change to provide equal rights and protection for all human beings. Sean’s murderer was given only a five-year suspended sentence to three years with three years probation after he is released. Some people have expressed an interest in volunteering to assist Sean’s Last Wish Foundation. If you would like to contribute to the cause, please send an email to mailto:assist@seanlastwish.org.
 
Current laws do not protect against bias motivated crimes based on actual or perceived race, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity of the victim. South Carolina – indeed the entire nation – needs to have all inclusive laws which protect everyone from bias motivated crimes.
 
“Sean always talked about and supported that every human being should be treated equally and have the same rights under the law,” said Mrs. Kennedy. “His last wish would be to have this changed. Let’s stand together and get this changed.”
 
Date: Tues., June 16th, 2009
Location: Crowne Plaza Hotel, 201 S. McDowell St., Uptown Charlotte 28204
Food: Hors d'oeuvres; cash bar
Time: 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $15 for CBG Members; $25 for guests and non-members ($5 added for members without reservations)

Reservations should be made by noon on Friday, June 12th by e-mailing businessguild@yahoo.com or calling 704-565-5075. or calling 704-565-5075. Individuals making reservations who do not attend will be charged for the event.