Safety program to get boost from 'Shan Mac'
Shannon McNamara had hoped to become a high school physical education teacher. Her former classmates now are continuing her dream by sponsoring safety and self-defense education classes to high school students in her memory.
Every year, a Chicago fundraiser helps bring the anti-violence program to high schools.
This year's event takes place from 8 p.m. to midnight Friday at Sluggers Sports Bar, 3540 N. Clark St. in Chicago. A $30 door charge entitles supporters to an open bar, while the band, Charleston Sound Machine -- started at Eastern and now plays in Chicago and suburbs -- performs.
All proceeds will help sponsor the safety and self-defense education program targeted to high school students, sponsored by the Girls Fight Back Foundation and a new nonprofit foundation formed in her name, the "Fight Back for Shan Mac" foundation.
"As a result of this fundraiser, thousands of Chicago area teens have learned how to become their own best protectors," says Kate Lotz of Chicago, a former classmate of McNamara's who started the fundraiser.
The annual event draws together McNamara's former Rolling Meadows high school classmates, fellow students from Harper College in Palatine where she attended her first two years, as well as those from Eastern, along with family members and community supporters.
After initially drawing 700 people its first year, the fundraiser now draws around 400 people throughout the evening, Lotz adds.
"It's a great way to celebrate Shannon's memory," Lotz says, "by continuing this great mission."
Erin Weed, McNamara's friend from Eastern who started the Girls Fight Back foundation, and subsequently wrote a book by the same name, now lives in Denver, but she continues to support the event.
"It gives us all an opportunity to keep her memory alive," Weed says, "by talking about the good times when she was still with us."
In 2003, a neighbor of McNamara's in the apartment complex, Anthony Mertz was found guilty of her murder. He currently is on Illinois' death row.
If you go
What: Girls Fight Back for Shan Mac Fundraiser
When: 8 p.m. to midnight Friday
Where: Sluggers Sports Bar, 3540 N. Clark St. in Chicago
Cost: $30 door charge entitles supporters to an open bar and music by Charleston Sound Machine
More information: www.girlsfightback.org or www.shannonmcnamara.com