Musical tribute to crime victims planned for evening of April 3 in Sarasota, organizers announce

Event to be part of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week observance

Image courtesy Sheriff’s Office

In early April, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Victim Assistance Unit and members of the Sarasota County Victim Advisory Council will host Celebration of Survivorship: A Musical Tribute to Crime Victims as part of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, the Sheriff’s Office has announced.

The event will take place on Monday, April 3, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club, a news release says. The facility is located at 3100 Fruitville Road in Sarasota.

The event will be co-sponsored by members of the Sarasota Police Department, the State Attorney’s Office, the Child Protection Center, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the Office of the Attorney General, the release adds.

“National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) was established to raise awareness of and provide support for the needs of crime victims and their families, as well as industry professionals who advocate for victims of crime,” the release explains. “Cities and counties across the nation are encouraged to engage their residents through events and open up a dialogue about healing and survivorship,” the release adds.

“We believe it’s crucial for [members of] the community to be aware of this initiative and be active participants in the healing process,” said Autumn Roppolo, victim advocate coordinator for the Sheriff’s Office, in the release. “The Celebration of Survivorship serves as a source of restoration, as well as a reminder that victim needs are ongoing and should be voiced,” Roppolo adds in the release

The event will feature music from NexxLevel, a Southwest Florida band “known for entertaining audiences with lively dance music,” the release notes. Guests can expect to hear classics from the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Gap Band, The Commodores and Bob Marley, among others, the release says.