106th ARTICLE: Supporting search for Jessie

Kamloops This Week

December 9, 2007

Supporting search for Jessie

by CASSIDY OLIVIER, Staff reporter

David Miller knows how good it feels when the community shows its support for a worthy cause.

That is why the owner of MD Auto Detailing decided to help out Glendene Grant, one of his longtime friends, by organizing a fundraiser in support of the Jessie Foster trust.

Foster, the 23-year-old daughter of Grant, went missing in March 2006 while living in Las Vegas.

While friends and family haven’t heard from her since, many, including Grant, believe she fell victim to a human trafficking ring.

Most believe she is still alive.

While Miller has supported Grant’s search for her daughter in the past, by sponsoring car washes and donating gift certificates to draws, he decided to go “all out this time” by organizing a buffet dinner and dance at the Thirsty Dog Sports Club on Wednesday at 6 p.m.

In addition to a full-spread dinner, the night will include entertainment by Art Pruce, an auction, a raffle and a 50/50 draw.

All auction items were donated by locals businesses, something Miller, who has known Foster since she was a kid, said proves just how caring Kamloops can be.

“It is really cool to see how the community has stepped up,” he said.

“It is all about being a good person and helping out.”

Grant, meanwhile, remains optimistic her daughter will eventually be found.

Since her search began last year, Foster’s story has gone international, appearing on the Montel Williams Show and in several domestic and international newspapers.

The family has also managed to raise $10,000 in reward money for information leading to Foster’s recovery.

Foster’s case is currently being investigated by a special U.S. task force familiar with human-trafficking rings.

“I find the longer this goes on, the stronger I get,” said Grant. “I have a lot of hope.”

For more information about Grant’s search for her daughter, visit jessiefoster.ca. To buy tickets for Wednesday’s fundraiser, contact Miller at 554-7068 or 320-2235. Tickets will also be available at the door.