Davis business women hold benefit for AMBER Alert Plan

LAYTON — The Davis Chamber Women in Business will hold a benefit to raise funds for the state's AMBER Alert program.

The event will be a "Come as You Are" party held from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16, at the Davis Conference Center, 1651 N. 700 West, in Layton.

To RSVP, contact kerry@davischamberofcommerce or call 801-593-2200.

The party will feature live music, a comedian, silent auction, costume contest and dinner.

The group raised $6,605 in 2009 and $5,230 in 2008 — which was the entire budget for the Utah AMBER Alert Plan during those two years.

"Utah's AMBER Alert Plan doesn't receive tax dollars, and so it relies on good people who just want to protect children," said Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff. "The Davis Chamber Women in Business show year after year that they truly care about children."

Elaine Runyan-Simmons, a member of the group, knows how vital the AMBER Alert program is. Her 3-year-old daughter, Rachel, was kidnapped and murdered in 1982.

"We are hoping to raise even more money this year to keep Utah's AMBER Alert Plan running smoothly," Runyan-Simmons said.

— Linda Thomson