December events planned to #FindLauren.

As we approach the six month mark, many supporters continue to plan awareness events to #FindLauren. Here are current events planned for December. 


Saturday, December 3
What: Support the Spierers
Where: Kickoff at Smallwood Plaze, Support & Prayer tree at Fountain Square Mall
About: A prayer and support tree will be placed at Fountain Square Mall. Supporters are asked to leave a note/card on the tree to support the Spierer family during the month of December.
Facebook Event Page


Sunday, December 11
What: Safety For Spierer
Where: Kimmel Center's Pavilion, 10th floor- NYU
About: Experience a self-defense class with expert Gabrielle Rubin from the organization Female Awareness to raise money for the search to #FindLauren. 
Facebook Event Page

Tuesday, December 20
What: Luminaries For Lauren
Where: Smallwood Plaza from 7 - 8:30 p.m.
About: Luminaries for Lauren will be lit starting on December 20 and will remain through the Jewish Holiday until December 27. Let's light the way for Lauren to come home.
Needs: Volunteers for 12/26 still needed. 
Facebook Event Page


If you are have additional details or an event you'd like us to cover, send an email to newsonlaurens@gmail.com. 

A look back at supporter DJ Martin's run!

Read about DJ's race here.

Thanks again, DJ. We are so grateful for all you've done.

"Help us find the answers and the posters will come down."

Shortly after the disappearance of Lauren Spierer, a number of Facebook groups were formed to help support the efforts to #FindLauren. After five months, many have since changed their focus or deleted the groups entirely due to lack of focus and power struggles. However, one group of advocates continued to remain focused in the search to #Find Lauren and facilitate a positive influence to support the group.

The Facebook group Voices for Lauren was created on July 7 with a mission to "help spread the word and contribute to the efforts to find Lauren Spierer."

"Many groups were formed to speculate, talk theory, point fingers, engage in accusatory statements, but we made sure to lay down the law early on and remain consistent in managing the group," Administrator Mary Ann Ryan said.

With over 133 members, the administrators clearly identified guidelines such as rule number 2, "Positivity- The Spierer's do not wish to see negativity. It hurts their feelings and we sympathize with them. Therefore, let us try to be positive, hopeful and thoughtful."


"These rules are really important. Not only do they need to be clearly stated, they needed to be enforced. Facebook can grow out of control rather quickly. We made sure we created a safe place for the Spierer's to stop in and see a place of support and creating these rules were vital, " said Ryan.

Voices for Lauren continued to brainstorm on ways to help after 5 months. After a recently published response from Charlene Spierer, members of the group created P.U.M.P. (Put Up More Posters) for Lauren. Devoted member Kristen Mills came up with the idea and immediately saw the event go viral.

"We are so excited that the IDS News covered the event beforehand. The community was supporting our effort to get back out there and remind everyone that someone still knows something and no one is going to quit until the Spierer's get answers," said another administrator Joe Bailey. "Today, we had great coverage from WTHR and Fox59 was here most of the day!"

Hundreds of new posters were posted on Saturday thanks to P.U.M.P.

"I didn't know the Spierer's before Lauren's disappearance, but I am a mom and every parent deserves to know the truth. We won't quit supporting them until they get the truth," said Ryan. "In the middle of all this chaos though I am reminded what an amazing group of people that have come together for one purpose- to help strangers in a time of need. We have been blessed with such a strong and caring group, and for that, I will always be grateful."

For more information about the group or to joins, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/VoicesForLauren/.

WTHR's coverage of P.U.M.P.
Lauren Moccio's coverage on Gather.com

"And this Saturday, November 5th, I will run my very first 5K race for Lauren and the Spierer family. "

We support Malorie Janasek has she runs the 5k to raise funds to #FindLauren. All our love and luck, Malorie, during your final days of preparation!

"While I may have started as a stranger, over the past months, I have become Lauren's "friend." One of the most heartbreaking (and telling) things about this case is the deafening silence-- silence from both Lauren's friends and from those known to be last with Lauren that night. No one is talking. For almost 5 months now, I have filled in this void and acted as a voice for Lauren. I have also become extremely close with the Spierers, who now reside in Bloomington, living only minutes from campus and only seconds away from where Lauren was last seen on video that night.

The Hot Chocolate 15K/5K race is on November 5th-- 2 days after the 5th-month mark of when Lauren was last seen on June 3rd. To contribute to the ongoing search for Lauren, I am asking for a donation of $5 dollars that will go directly to the Help Find Lauren Spierer Search Fund. Your donation, whatever amount, will represent your support of my first 5K race and, most importantly, support Lauren's family and friends who continue to search for answers every day.

You can donate here. -- just click the CHIPIN button on the right-hand side (under the widget showing the amount of money raised so far). You can also donate through the IU Hillel website. If through Hillel, please mention that your donation is for "Malorie's 5K run" in the notes section so that I know and can then add you to my list of supporters."

Another supporter raises #FindLauren funds in upcoming Stilettos Stampede.

DJ Martin is excited to run for such an important cause. And she will be doing so in stilettos. Martin's goal is to raise $1,000. 


"I will be running the 100 Yard Dash wearing stilettos. I can barely walk in high heels so running in them will present a major challenge!"

Custom designed Hello Kitty high heels made just for DJ's race! 

The 100 Yard Dash will be held in downtown Houston on November 5.


"My hope is to increase awareness of Lauren's story and to raise additional funds to support the ongoing search for Lauren."

Visit Martin's page to learn more about the race and how to contribute.


Facebook event page.

Musicians Raise Funds For Missing Lauren Spierer from Westchester Co.

Three musical groups produce songs to help in the funding of the search for missing college student, Lauren Spierer.


By Cathy Garger

Beginning in the 1960s and continuing over the next five decades, pop culture songs have addressed a variety of society’s ills while simultaneously calling for solutions and action. From peace to social justice, urban woes, and the very future of humankind, songs with a social message encompass virtually every genre of music from hip hop to folk. While addressing themes of war and peace such as “Imagine” and “Give Peace a Chance” by John Lennon and “WAR” by Bruce Springsteen, to inner city violence in “Ghetto Gospel” by Tupac Shakur with Elton John, to cries for resistance in “Wake Up” by Rage Against the Machine and “Uprising” by Muse, musicians penetrate deeply into one’s emotions in ways no newspaper’s best journalist can ever hope to touch. 

Certain top musical artists, however, take messages of social consciousness and go a step further. Raising not only awareness, but also funds for causes close to their hearts, dozens of the UK’s and United States’ greatest musicians have sung for humanity’s suppers. Just to name a few, in 1984, Band Aid, led by Bob Geldof in the UK, produced “Do they Know It’s Christmas?” to benefit Ethiopian famine victims. The next year, USA for Africa, following Britain’s lead, produced “We Are the World,” led by Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, and Quincy Jones. A more recent effort in 2010 featured a remake of the song, with “We Are the World 25 For Haiti,”a charity single by Artists for Haiti. 

Fast forward to a true crisis in 2011, with news stories about missing persons in the US frequently making national headlines that sometimes create even international media sensations. Approximately 900,000 people are reported missing each year in the US alone, and stories of missing young people from infants to college students are devoured by media hungry for compelling, heart-wrenching, human interest stories featuring mystery, drama, and endless tears. 

This fall, in an unusual turn of events, one missing person in particular, Lauren Spierer, caught the attention of several musical artists. Originally from Westchester County, New York and currently missing from the college town of Bloomington, Indiana, the 20 year old petite, blonde-haired, blue-eyed Indiana University sophomore seems to have vanished into thin air. In the early morning hours of June 3, after spending time partying with friends and acquaintances, Lauren was suddenly nowhere to be found. Many of the students who knew her swiftly hired attorneys who overwhelmingly silenced their clients. The IU student who reported seeing Spierer last that morning hired a high profile defense attorney [reportedly Indiana’s best] who had defended Mike Tyson in his rape trial. 

With law enforcement and Lauren’s parents suspecting foul play, both have issued unheeded requests for the person(s) who know what happened to come forth. Yet nearly six months after her disappearance, it is apparent that more must be done to uncover the truth. Thus, in an effort to help raise monies for awareness events and continued search efforts for the missing New Yorker, three separate groups of musicians have recently written and recorded original songs in honor of the IU student. In a truly mind-blowing gesture of generosity, all three are dedicating 100 percent of the purchase price of their singles, with proceeds to benefit the search for Lauren Spierer. 

Having one’s child or sister or best friend disappear seemingly off the face of the planet has got to be the worst feeling in the world. I’m hoping you will join me in spending just 99 cents per song to buy three (3) iTune songs and ask everyone you know to do the same. In the search for Lauren, every dollar adds up. Together, we have the power to help bring Lauren Spierer home to her family and dear friends who miss her terribly. If you would like to learn more about the search for Lauren or make even a small contribution visit: www.findlauren.com. 

Please read a bit about these big-hearted musical artists and what motivated them to write and produce songs to benefit further efforts to bring Lauren Spierer home. 

“#Lauren” by Illuminati Sky 

A rock-hip-hop duo that calls itself Illuminati Sky has recently put out a catchy tune that reminds one of Eminem - that is, a cleaned up version you wouldn’t be afraid to let Great Grandma hear. “# Lauren” was written by front man, Michael Barber, from Evansville, Indiana and Josh Tifer of Delaware. Barber, a hip-hop artist flying solo prior to meeting Tifer, shares an ocean front music studio with his band mate in Florida. When asked if he and his musical partner were both into hip-hop, Barber quite modestly remarked, “Josh? I really doubt he would consider himself a hip-hop artist, but he is the talent in the music. He is the all-around musician.” 

Originally planning on releasing the song anonymously or with an alias in order not to bring attention to himself, Barber realized he could earn greater awareness and funding from their fan base if he produced “#Lauren” using Illuminati Sky’s real identity. And this effort was vitally important to this former Hoosier, as he could, in part, relate to the nightmare that has plagued the Spierers since June 3. Michael Barber’s own petite, 90 pound sister had attended IU a few years back and, as he explained, “It really hit home, being my home state, home school I cheer for in sports, thinking of my sister. And it wasn’t until I saw her mother and father [Charlene and Rob Spierer] on TV begging for answers that I knew I had to write a song.” 

When asked if this was the first time Illuminati Sky had composed a song for a cause, Barber answered affirmatively. “Yes, it is the first song of many to come. As musicians, it is our goal to attack issues and stand up in what we believe in... In the 60s and 70s musicians stood for something, they had power. Now they just want to fit in, make pop tunes.” 

Quite far from a wimpy pop tune, what makes this song so compelling is its message of personal responsibility. Along with possessing a social conscience, “#Lauren” takes an uncompromising, bold stance on the cowardice and selfishness of Bloomington’s “persons of interest,” approximately ten friends/acquaintances of the missing Spierer. With undisguised disdain for those who remain silent while knowing what happened to the diminutive Lauren, llluminati Sky makes no apology for its stance on what they consider lackluster efforts on the part of local law enforcement. Also not escaping criticism is Dancing With the Stars contestant, Nancy Grace, and other network media personalities who seem to be more concerned with the almighty dollar than using their platform to help find missing persons, Spierer in particular. 

All proceeds from the purchase of “#Lauren” will be given to the Spierer family directly, to be used for their continued search efforts. 

Illuminati Sky’s impressive “# Lauren” can be purchased for just $.99 at 
itunes.apple.com/us/album/lauren-single/id474084158 

“One Little Miracle” by Brice Fox and Daniel Weber 

Former students in Bloomington, Brice Fox and Daniel Weber were already famous for producing the campus sensation centered around Hoosier basketball in their You Tube video,“This Is Indiana.” Then, this past September, the IU alumni produced a Public Service Announcement on You Tube asking IU students to come forward with any news of Spierer’s disappearance. (1) The PSA was considered a prelude to their recently released tribute to the missing woman, “One Little Miracle.” Dedicated to Lauren, the idea for the heartfelt pop ballad came from Charlene Spierer, mother of Lauren, in an email she had written to the two musicians. According to WTHR in Indianapolis, "She said something like we are just looking for one clue. One little miracle. That jumped out to us. We knew we wanted to use it for a song," said Daniel Weber. (2) 

Both “This Is Indiana” and “One Little Miracle” were performed by Fox and Weber at the Shine for Lauren concert held on the IU campus on September 22. “We wanted to strike an emotional chord with people and hope that the right people start to come forward,” Daniel Weber explained. (3) 

"I'm hoping it reaches out to one person who can make a difference in the story," said Weber, the musician who wrote the music for the ballad. "I'm hoping it reaches the right person to say the right thing." (4) Daniel Weber composed the music and sent it to his writing partner Brice Fox, who then wrote the lyrics. “I just wrote off of what Charlene Spierer had sent me in an email,” Fox said. “I could sense the pain and, agony that she and her husband have been going through and I basically just put it into a song.” (5) 

“One Little Miracle” is a touching, heart-warming tune available for purchase at iTunes for $.99. All proceeds from the project will be donated to the 'Help Find Lauren Fund': 
itunes.apple.com/us/album/one-little-miracle-single/id470571175 


"New Hope" by Steve Carr 

In “New Hope,” solo artist, Steve Carr, from Plainfield, Illinois, sings, “Life can change in the blink of an eye. These are the times when we stand tall. Keep moving forward, never stop searching. New hope will find a way." When asked what gave him the idea to write a song in honor of Lauren Spierer, Steve explained that he had seen his friend, graphic designer Tracey Williams, pursue a dedicated search for Spierer from the very first day the IU college student went missing. Carr recalled that Tracey “had brought to my attention that there were two songs out there raising money for Lauren. Music is a really big part of my life and creating a positive song dedicated to Lauren to raise money for the foundation is the perfect way for me to help. So right away I jumped at the idea and started writing.” 

Incredibly multi-talented, Steve Carr wrote both the lyrics and music for his acoustic rock song, played all instrumentals (guitars, bass, drums and vocal) and has produced all of his own music for the past year. Carr explains that “New Hope” is about hope and all the people supporting the Spierers in their search for Lauren. "It's so great to see so many people out there helping the [Spierer] family through these hard times. Hope will get you through any situation. There are so many caring people out there going above and beyond for the Spierer family. That is what hope is all about... the best way to help you deal through tough times." 

Carr takes a stance in music that is refreshing in the commercial music biz. As he explains, “Music has always been considered a universal language and I feel it is a very important part in society. It's always great to see musicians willing to produce music for good causes. So many people connect through music... and to have someone dedicate a piece of music to help one another through hard times or just to bring a positive message is wonderful. Music can be a very powerful tool to take a person's mind off a tough situation, stress, etc.” After thinking a moment, Carr admitted, “Writing this song has been so rewarding to me. Being able to help out a family in need doing what I love? There is no greater feeling.” 

To follow Carr’s lead and experience your own good feeling, help fund efforts to bring missing college student, Lauren Spierer, home to her family by purchasing “New Hope” by Steve Carr at itunes: itunes.apple.com/us/artist/steve-carr/id476422317 . 

Notes:

(1) PSA Announcement - Fox and Weber www.youtube.com/watch

(2) WTHR -
www.wthr.com/story/15625890/iu-students-write-song-for-lauren-spierer

(3) IDS
www.idsnews.com/news/story.aspx

(4) WTHR

(5) IDS

(6) To follow Illuminati Sky on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Illuminati-Sky/212356618828820

(7) To watch “New Hope” on video: www.youtube.com/watch

(7) To follow Steve Carr: www.reverbnation.com/stevecarr

Original article found here

Volunteers arrange event to continue their support

Volunteers have arranged another day to offer support in the search to #FindLauren. Please consider joining them to increase awareness and keep the momentum going.

Event: P.U.M.P. (Put Up More Posters)
When: Saturday, November 5, 1- 5 p.m.
Where: There will be a table in front of Smallwood throughout the day to distribute posters, tape and direct you on where to go.

Facebook Event Page

This event was not arranged by the Spierer family, but by volunteers interested in bringing Lauren home. 

"I never expected to see October without Lauren," Charlene Spierer.

October 20, 2011

To whom this may concern,

It’s been a while. Robbie and I just got back to Bloomington. Our trip from the airport was reminiscent of the first time we came here.  As on June 3^rd, our first stop was to the Bloomington Police Department. Unlike June 3^rd, our next stop was to the Post Office.  In case you’ve forgotten, we set up a PO Box for Lauren early on, where people could send truly anonymous information regarding her disappearance. Typically, I check the PO Box and then we turn everything over to the police department, they then follow-up on any viable information. I opened the letters I picked up this time.  One of them was addressed to me, marked confidential with an explanation mark. I opened and read the letter. The writer of the letter did not sign their name and I have no way of knowing who sent it.  Clearly the point of the PO Box, to be anonymous. I quote, “We are sorry about your missing daughter.  But don’t you think it’s time to do the right thing by Bloomington and stop littering our town with your posters?” It goes on to say “You have had a lot of supporters but now you are offending a good many of us.” 

Let me share a personal story with you, relevant because it does have to do with Lauren’s posters. The first time I went back to New York was extremely difficult. Walking into our home, going in to Lauren’s bedroom, seeing photos of her, feeling her presence everywhere. During that trip, Rebecca was taken to the emergency room. It was terrifying. Robbie, our friend Maria and I drove to the hospital as soon as we heard the news.  We went into see her one at a time. She was lying in the emergency room, in tremendous pain, waiting to be diagnosed. Those hours, waiting to find out what was wrong were agonizing. The next few days were agonizing. Thankfully she recovered and is fine. The point of my retelling this is that when we walked into the lobby of the emergency room, in Manhattan, on the security guard’s desk, taped to the front was a poster of Lauren. She was there with her sister and with us.

To the anonymous writer of the letter directed at me, if your goal was to hurt me, you were successful. Making me feel worse than I already do for imposing on Bloomington. Believe me, I wish we had never had to hang one single poster for our missing child. The truth of the matter is, Lauren did disappear in Bloomington, Indiana. I apologize for our intrusion. I hope you never have to hang a poster for your missing child, but believe me; I will be alongside you if you should ever find yourself in my place. Rest assured, Lauren’s posters have been seen in many places outside of Bloomington.  We’ve been told Lauren’s Missing posters have been seen across the country on cars and trucks, reminding anyone who happens to notice that a 20 year old girl is missing. A girl who could be you. A girl who could be your child, your friend, your daughter.  Thank goodness for that. We have no plans to give up our search for Lauren. 

Our family continues to feel thankful for law enforcement agencies, friends old and new, family and complete strangers who support us.  For your patience, kind words, gentle hugs, knowing glances, we thank you.  For everyone who has ever participated in a search, Laps for Lauren, Reposting Lauren’s posters on August 28^th, standing in the rain with us at Shine4Lauren, words cannot convey our gratitude. We are blessed to know you. Thank you all for helping keep Lauren’s story alive.   

In closing, I come back to you. It’s now October. I never expected to see October without Lauren. I never expected to feel the change of seasons. When the initial searches began, someone said searches for Lauren would be easier once the leaves fell and the fields of summer crops had been cleared. Once hunting season begins, virtually another source of searchers would come into play. I guess you’ve known all along, we would still be searching for Lauren on this fall day. While statistics are against us after almost five months, our family continues to hold that shred of hope for Lauren’s safe return. How could we not. You have the ability to end this nightmare. With every beat of my heart and every fiber of my body,  I wish for Lauren’s return. You alone, have the knowledge which can return Lauren to us. While it took cowardice to take Lauren off the streets of Bloomington, June 3, 2011, I offer a coward’s alternative to providing the truth. An anonymous post office box.  The price of a stamp stands between you and me. I am waiting to hear from you. Maybe today will be the day your letter makes its way to the post office box. We will never stop looking for Lauren.  We will never give up. We are as determined today as we were on June 3^rd. 

Charlene Spierer

Original #FindLauren poster. 

Find Lauren

PO Box 1226

Bloomington, IN  47402                 

helpfindlauren@gmail.com

www.findlauren.com

IU Lacrosse for Lauren Classic

Indiana will host the Lacrosse for Lauren Classic on October 22nd. This three team play day was created to benefit the search for Lauren Spierer, an IU student missing since June 3rd. 

The first game will be at 10 a.m. and then a second game at 1 p.m. The tournament will be held at Karst Farm Park (2450 S. Endwright Rd, Bloomington, IN  47493). 

Follow IU on Twitter @IULax and visit their website, www.iulacrosse.com.

http://412.laxallstars.com/lacrosse-for-lauren-classic/

#Shine4Lauren Success!

What an amazing night #Shine4Lauren was! With over 2,000 in attendance, the rain didn't stop supporters from coming out to shine the light. Thanks to all of the IU students for taking on such a beautiful task and all that rocked the stage.

Over 1,000 viewers from around the world watched on FindLauren.com.

Click here for more photos

News articles: 
LoHud
ABC
WRTV
Wall Street Journal
Indiana Public Media
WISH TV
IDS News
Fox 59
WIBC Indianapolis
ABC Chicago
Houston Chronical
CBS NY

Today's the day... #Shine4Lauren Concert!

"Thanks to the IU and Bloomington community. We hope to see everyone at the #Shine4Lauren concert tonight. Let today be the day. It just takes one person to have the courage to come forward. Be that person."  -Charlene Spierer

We hope you will join us on several walks to the concert throughout Bloomington. All walks begin at 6:20 and will take us to Dunn Meadow. 


Map courtesy of IDS News. 

Get your flashlight app here!

#Shine4Lauren Facebook Page


If you can't make it to Bloomington, please watch the live stream of the event on findLauren.com starting at 7 p.m. and tweet with the hashtag #Shine4Lauren to make it a trending topic! 


Thanks to everyone that is making this event possible and continues to hope everyday that Lauren returns. Our prayers and loving thoughts continue to surround the Spierer family. 

A Bike/Walk for Lauren this Sunday!