On May 7th, 2008, Rachel Morningstar Hoffman was murdered while working with the Tallahassee police force to apprehend major players in the Florida drug trafficking ring. Used as a patsy, Rachel had no ties to the two men who decided to kill her almost immediately after picking her up near the location the police had authorized for the sting to go down. What Rachel did have ties to, were those of a loving family and group of friends that wanted nothing more than to see her to succeed in life. Her family and friends have continuously rallied to create awareness of Rachel’s death, and, see to it that the nature of how she died will never happen again.
In honoring Rachel’s life, her friends and family created a foundation for her, the Rachel Morningstar Foundation (also known as the Purple Hatters Ball). The fight continues to change laws to prevent circumstances like Rachel’s from happening again, and why not help the cause while enjoying one of Rachel’s favorite past times…supporting live music. Held in Live Oak, Florida, the event is set to not only raise money and awareness for her foundation, but more importantly, celebrate the life of a star thats light was extinguished so prematurely.
Her ball, named after the purple hat she wore at festivals and events, will take place May 10 -12 at The Spirit of Suwannee Music Park. Headliners to this truly noble event include Lettuce, Emancipator, DubConscious and The New Mastersounds. Tickets are on sale now through their website and a limited number of cabin packages, which include a golf cart to venture around the park, are also available.
Participating in events like these are what helps build a revolution that will lead to change. Rachel’s case is unfortunately one of many times that law enforcement has offered the lives of their confidential informants to make drug busts. It is up to the government to pass laws that will protect those that help law enforcement to clean up the streets for a better tomorrow, but it is up to us to make cases like Rachel’s heard loud and clear to the high-ups in office that can make that change a reality. What are you waiting for? Get your tickets now and help support the fight against drug wars.
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