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Missing person fund-raiser sales slow
4/9/2007 2:46 PM
By: Johnell Johnson, News 14 Carolina


News 14 Carolina's Johnell Johnson has more on how you can help the foundation raise money.

CHARLOTTE -- The Kristen Foundation, named after Kristen Modafferi, the Charlotte native and North Carolina State University student who disappeared nearly 10 years ago, will hold its annual Crystal Ball later this month, but ticket sales are slow.

"Adults get lost. They're not being respected at all," said founder Joan Petruski.

Lauren Modafferi remembers the ordeal surrounding her sister's disappearance. She is glad Kristen's legacy will live on through the foundation.

"When you are going through a difficult situation, like missing a loved one, I think the toughest part is that you feel like there's not anybody out there that's going through the same thing that you are," she said. "The foundation has definitely been an inspiration to my family."



Petruski has helped about 100 families worldwide, including Chandra Levy and Natalie Holloway's families, with things like search crews, equipment and emotional support.

According to the National Center for Missing Adults, there are nearly 51,000 active missing adult cases in the Untied States. Petruski has not turned down anyone who's asked for her help.

"The only thing that makes me sad about it is that I don't have the funds to continue with all the ones that are calling me," explained Petruski.

Every year Petruski has the Crystal Ball to help raise money through ticket and auction sales. But this year sales have not taken off.

"I just want people in Charlotte to realize that this happens every day and it could happen again in Charlotte,” she said. “I would be here for them. I just want them to be here for me."

The Crystal Ball is scheduled for April 21 at 6 p.m. at the Carmel Country Club. Log onto Kristenfoundation.org for more information.