FRIENDS OF EVA RECEPTION AND FUNDRAISER

PEACE RESOURCE CENTER

SEASIDE, CA – MAY 19, 2012

Ninety-seven percent of people charged with a crime in the US agree to plea bargain for a lesser charge.  For many, this means pleading guilty despite their innocence.  Why would they do that?  Because they cannot afford to defend themselves in the US legal system as it is today: enormously expensive, grueling and dehumanizing.

Eva Ruiz Gomez IS that three percent who refuse to say they’re guilty when they’re not.  Against all odds she has persevered.  Eva, her family and her health have all suffered, but she’s still fighting.  Her family’s resources have been drained but her community is rallying behind her with support so that Eva can bring this long fight to a good ending.

Family, friends and allies sipped wine and snacked on delicious foods & desserts–all donated by local businesses–while listening to MIIS Professor Jan Black, human rights champion extraordinaire, put Eva’s case into political perspective.

An amazing silent auction–including original artwork, handmade pottery & jewelry, a wine & cheese tasting for four at the Lucky Goat Farm, breakfast for two at Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn and much more–helped raise hundreds of dollars for Eva’s legal expenses.

Those who came for a life-affirming, community-building and all-around great way to spend their Saturday evening were not disappointed!