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On April 26, 2009, family members and close friends of Chris S. Owens suddenly found themselves gathered around his hospital bedside as he struggled to win the battle for his own life. His inconsolable parents helplessly comforted their 13 year old son in an effort to maintain a sense of hope despite his bleak chances of survival. After an impossible uphill struggle, he was taken off of life support and passed on May 3, 2009. His life was abruptly cut short after being struck by a stray bullet fired on the streets of Harlem, whereas the lives of those who loved him, especially his parents, were altered both drastically and permanently. However, Christopher Foye, Chris Owens father refused to let his son become another statistic in regards to gun violence.
It was only a matter of time before Christopher Foye began taking necessary steps toward forming a non-profit foundation which not only honors the memory of his son, but also works towards putting an end to illegal weapon possession and ignorant violence as a whole. In the midst of Owens’ burial, Foye became increasingly determined to not only keep his son’s memory alive, but also to “turn evil into good,” The Chris S. Owens Foundation, by providing vital resources through donations and the utilization of fundraisers, ultimately strives to educate our youth, ensuring a safer future.
As stated in their mission statement, “The goals of the foundation are to introduce children to new experiences and recreational activities such as sports, games and events, as well as after school programs that will educate them and assist them with health related information services.” Specifically, they are working with the New York Legislature in an effort to impose mandatory jail time for shooting into crowds. I was fortunate enough to have met Christopher Foye while attending his charity event recently held on April 23 at the Taj Lounge in NYC. It was a celebration of Chris Owens’ life, as well as an opportunity for loved ones and supportive community members, including Rev. Al Sharpton and Councilman Charles Barron, to raise awareness of the infectious nature of violence.
Foye explained that the organization was originally a work in progress, which required general research, legal paperwork, and dedication. Once their concept of a foundation became a reality, Foye was instantaneously grasping onto the opportunity to eliminate violent aspects of the youth mindset. By making a valiant effort to prevent other tragedies, Foye explained that the foundation additionally proved to be a therapeutic experience: “I put all my energy into preserving my son’s memory, and protecting other children and parents from senseless deaths.”
The Chris S. Owens Foundation is scheduled to hold their next event on June 22, at Touch – located at 240 W. 52nd St., NYC. The fundraiser will be hosted by Philanthropic Events Society’s Choice, which is an organization that operates as a guiding hand in getting the communities it services to work together to raise money for worthwhile causes and non-profit organizations. Any interested press should contact Marc Jones via e-mail at marcjones8@yahoo.com For tickets, donations, and more detailed information please visit: www.thechrissowensfoundation.com and or www.philanthropicevents.com
Christopher Foye may contacted via e-mail at chriss.owens@yahoo.com
Picture credit : Fidel Amos
Written By Tracey Lombardi
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