Michael McLean, a multi-talented performer who’s play The Forgotten Carols is a holiday tradition has generously volunteered to dedicate one performance to the Susan, Charlie anc Braden memorial fund. The performance will be on December 18, 2012 at the Cottonwood Hights Highschool performing arts center. Details of this and other performances can be found at http://www.forgottencarols.com/tickets/ . The Susan Cox Powell Foundation is honored and grateful for this generous donation, and Chuck and Judy plan to be in attendance.
Nov 28
New Event “The Forgotten Carols” benefit concert
Nov 28
Angel Progress 11/28/2012
The work goes on, through wind and rain, the concrete bench around the statue is complete, next comes more concrete, the finishing of the courtyard in brick, and then setting the statue. We can’t say enough about those working on the site, they are clearly intent on doing their best and making this a beautiful addition to the cemetery in honor of Charlie and Braden.
Nov 21
Ann Rule Book to be released
Ann Rule’s book, “Fatal Friends, Deadly Neighbors” which includes the tragic story of Susan Cox Powell and her sons, Braden and Charlie, will be on store shelves on November 27, 2012. With the help of Chuck and Judy Cox, this will be the most complete coverage of the case so far, a case that will never be over until Susan is found. Ann says that this is one of the most difficult stories she has ever had to tell, but she never wants anyone to forget Susan, Braden and Charlie.
The Coxes will join Ann in signing books at two Fred Meyer stores. On Friday, December 7, we will be signing at the Burien Fred Meyer store from 3 to 5 (or longer if need be.) On Saturday, December 8, we will start signing book copies from 2 until 4–or later at the Fred Meyer store at 17404 Meridian East Puyallup, WA 98373. More signings will be scheduled and will be noted here and on www.authorannrule.com . There are eight other cases, (all but one from the Northwest), in this original “Pocket Books” paperback edition. Copies of Fatal Friends, Deadly Neighbors are also available in hardcover from book clubs.
We appreciate Ann Rule for telling this story, we hope that those who read this book will evaluate their own situations and resolve to do everything in their power to stop domestic violence, including taking any necessary steps for their own safety before they end up part of yet another domestic violence tragedy.
Nov 13
Woodbine Cemetary Angel Update
Chuck Cox is allowed to break the ground for the Angel Statue site, with the cerimonial First Shovel of dirt…er…sod. (it was easier then actually using a shovel)
We have approval for the site plan, work began this week. Those who have volunteered their labor in design, construction, materials most of whom are providing services or materials at cost or as donations, tell us they intend to make this happen in time for the December 6th vigil. We are very grateful for the community support that is making this happen. Special Thanks to Ron & Don KIRO radio and Crime Stoppers for their efforts. Please see our post “A Christmas Box Angel for Charlie and Braden” for more information.
Nov 07
501(c)(3) Status Update
The Susan Cox Powell Foundation application for 501(c)(3) has been submitted, received and we have confirmation it is being processed.
Ok, Ok, so it’s not big news but for me it’s progress. I thought those making donations would like to know. We were informed that even without approved status your donations are still tax-deductible. I can assure you we report them.
Nov 05
Tears Foundation, Charlie and Braden Project
The Tears Foundation, provides financial help to families that suffer the loss of a child 12 months old or younger. During their time of grief, funeral expenses are not what they need to worry about. The Tears Foundation is headquartered in Puyallup.
The death of Charlie and Braden Powell impacted the entire community, state and the world. In response the Tears Foundation has expanded their work, by adding “the Charlie and Braden Project”. The Tears Foundation now provides, within the limits of their resources, financial help to families who lose children 12 years and under. Donations to The Charlie and Braden project covers the cost of the older children.
The Susan Cox Powell Foundation supports their efforts, and we suggest our supporters do also. Here is a link to the Tears Foundation Website. www.thetearsfoundation.org
You can also find a link to their website under our Information TAB, Other Organizations (links) page.
Once more the tragedy of the loss of Charlie and Braden has resulted in a legacy of love.
Nov 05
Charlie’s Dinosaur Project
A picture of a dinosaur drawn by Charlie Powell, age 3, possibly with the assistance of his mother Susan who is still missing, was discovered by two deputies.
The two Pierce County deputies were the same ones that officially informed Chuck and Judy Cox that Charlie and Braden had died in the fire set by Josh Powell, they had an idea. They wanted to use the picture as a logo (this is the logo) for a non-profit foundation to help foster children who they come into contact with through their work.
The plan was to provide backpacks to transport foster children’s personal possessions when they have to be moved from one foster home to another, and to provide them with their own brand new, not hand-me down, personal items to keep. (On behalf of Charlie and Braden the backpacks will have this logo)
They asked for Chuck and Judy’s permission, which was granted, and they began the Charlie’s Dinosaur project.
Crime Stoppers of Tacoma/Pierce County has helped with fund-raising, organization and initial set up of the project. Wal-Mart made a substantial donation to the Charlie and Braden Project as did the Puyallup Indian Tribe and other businesses.
Law enforcement officers transporting foster children or children that have to be removed from a dangerous situations can now use a gift card to purchase needed personal items for the child, a coat, shoes, toothbrush, etc. Talk about getting rid of red tape!!! Oh and all those stuffed animals (hundreds) left as memorials for Charlie and Braden have been professionally cleaned and packaged to be given to children. What a wonderful project.
Charlie’s Dinosaur is working in cooperation with the state foster care system and children’s hospitals, to ensure that those in need quickly get the help they need. There will be a Charlie’s Dinosaur website, but it is under development. We will try to keep you informed of their progress.
This is yet another legacy of love, that has risen out of Charlie and Braden’s tragic death.
Nov 05
Christmas Box Angel for Charlie and Braden
A Christmas Box Angel, from the Richard Paul Evans book and movie “The Christmas Box” has been purchased using funds donated by the public. Ed Troyer a Pierce County Deputy and Pierce County Sheriff Paul Pastor were the first to act in purchasing the grave sites adjacent to Charlie and Braden to prevent Josh Powell their murder from being buried next to his victims. Ed Troyer is also the Public Information Officer for the Sheriff’s department and the president of the local “Crime Stoppers of Tacoma/Pierce County” non-profit corporation.
The story and fund-raising for purchasing the adjacent plots was soon publicised by KIRO radio by local talk show hosts “Ron and Don”. The response was terrific, and “Crime Stoppers” received donations from all over. The tragedy of the death of Charlie and Braden at the hand of their father brought overwhelming public involvement. The funeral for Charlie and Braden was broadcast live across the Nation and over the internet around the world as it had become clear that the world had come to love these two innocent children and also needed to grieve. The grief felt by Charlie and Braden’s class mates, first responders and local families, made it clear that many people locally and around the world had become involved and had the need for healing.
We learned that the Christmas Box Angel statue has become a symbol for many to ease the pain of those who have lost a child. At all of the Christmas Box Angels across the Nation on December 6, every year (by unbelievable coincidence the night Susan went missing) at 7pm, a candle light vigil is held. Those who have lost children or need to grieve for a loved one, come and place a white flower at the base of the statue in honor of those who have returned to heaven.
Realizing that many parents and families have to deal with this type of loss, it became evident that an Angel Statue would be a fitting memorial and that it would benefit the entire community. We currently have purchased the statue and it is here, it will be mounted on a 5 foot tall granite pedestal which is also here and being engraved. The statue will be installed at the Woodbine cemetary on the hill overlooking the gravesite of Charlie, Braden and other children. Local businesses have joined together to help prepare the site, to receive the statue, many have volunteered to supply materials, equipment, expertise and labor. It is hoped that the site will be prepared and the statue installed in time for the December 6th Vigil. We are working with these architects, contractors, engineers, the monument company and the city to complete this project. We had expected to have already had the statue installed by now but as with all projects things are never as simple as they seem. The project is awaiting final approval of plans and authorization to begin work. We will keep everyone informed of our progress.
Nov 05
Foundation Update
The Foundation has established this new website, and is continuing to develop it. It remains our hope to do all we can to provide assistance to those undergoing the personal trials from the loss of a loved one, from Domestic Abuse, violent crime or other causes. We remain resolute to fighting domestic violence, and will continue to assist our partner organizations in their efforts.
Foundation members have consoled and consulted with several individuals, provided suggestions and referrals to assist them in their individual battles. We have joined with other more established organizations to increase the foundation’s ability to provide assistance. (please see our links to our partners under the information tab)
We have made Susan’s Song “A Dream Away” available and are working to make the video available so that people can enjoy the beauty and comfort of the message brought by this work. We hope that donations from people that find comfort in the Song and Video will be sufficient to allow us to create the Susan, Charlie and Braden Memorial, a statue of the three, as a reminder of the importance of families and love. The statue will also serve as a reminder to those familiar with the fate of Susan and the boys, of the devistating effects of domestic violence. It is our hope that this statue will be a symbol of the happiness of childhood, family, and love and that it will evoke reflection of the viewer’s personal choices in their life and relationships. Thereby making the loss of these innocent lives into a legacy of love and hope for families forever.
The Foundation will continue to do all that we can to support the current needs of those individuals and families struggling.
Thank you for your prayers and support.
Oct 18
Video Update
I have asked that both video’s (yes there are two), the original Video http://youtu.be/SVlT3__lC7k created by Cami the author of the Song, and the professional Edit http://youtu.be/GdDoB49-lJM generously created by the KSL crew, be put back up on YouTube.
The Susan Cox Powell Foundation, released the Song on i-tunes and Amazon, unfortunately the Video took a little longer than anticipated, to get the professional video you see. We are still considering our options for distribution. As we try to figure out if there is enough demand to justify the expense of making one or both available for download.
If you would like to reserve a copy of either Video or Both, please make a donation using the Donate to Susan’s Memorial button, and be sure to include your contact information with your donation. We will be sure that we find a way to get you a copy of the Video, if there is enough interest. Please let us know which one you like best by using the “like” buttons on YouTube and sharing the links with your friends.
We are told that it could take 4-6 weeks to make it available for download. Thank you for visiting our site, and for your generous support. Chuck Cox