Community Corner
Malibu Women Support The Emily Shane Foundation
More than 50 women gathered at a Malibu home to raise money in honor of 13-year-old Emily Shane, who was killed two years ago.
The parents of 13-year-old Emily Shane turned their grief into action Wednesday with a fundraiser for a foundation named in her honor.
More than 50 women gathered Wednesday for tea, a concert and a silent auction as part of the first fundraiser for the .
The foundation was created by her parents Ellen and Michel in her memory. The nonprofit encourages people to do good deeds and write about them on the foundation's website.
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Emily Shane was killed in a car crash two years ago. A retrial of the case could begin as early as May 2.
Ellen Shane said that she was overwhelmed by the support of her friends, neighbors and community members.
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"I feel very grateful. You go through this awful tragedy and it has given me the motivation to do something to help others," Shane said.
Laureen Sills hosted the event, called "A Musical Interlude," at her Malibu home.
"Everyone brought our own china and all our own food. It is very homey," Sills said. "This is the first time we are doing it and it makes our hearts feel good to do something for Ellen."
Maria-Flora Smoller, who is one of several founders of A Safer PCH, said that she was there to support the Shane family, as her daughter danced with Emily.
"When you witness that kind of tragedy, I believe, as do the Shanes, that some of the best healing medicine is keeping busy. So that's what we did and we'll always be busy in her name."
The city of Malibu declared Feb. 14 "Pass It Forward Day" in honor of Emily earlier this year.
The foundation is also funding a program at the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District called , which provides tutoring to middle school students who have learning or processing issues.
Raffle items were donated by , Nail Spa, Limo Malibu, Salon Nuuvo, Therapeutic Skin Care and Brow Mantra of Santa Monica.
"We would like to thank the Malibu community that is always there to support us," Michel Shane said.
The Shanes also thanked the , , Trader Joe's of Westlake and Yummy Bake.
A second, more public, fundraiser is in the works, Michel Shane said.
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