CNN iReport

It was a trip back in time. The black and white club was filled with some of the most elite members of the virtual world Second Life community who gathered to raise funding for Project Jason, an organization that helps families with missing persons. The event was sponsored by the Justice League Unlimited (JLU), a group in the virtual world who help others through event peacekeeping, charity, and education.

What some have hailed after the event as the formal gala of year and the soirée of the season, ended after three hours with an impressive $50,000 Lindens (~$200 USD) raised for Project Jason. The event was themed in a black and white club in the city of Metropolis in the 1940s. The unique venue allowed for a potent visual contrast. The attendees at the event stood out against the fog filled club; emphasizing that every person is important and unforgettable.

Kalel Venkman, the founder of the Justice League stated “When we started the JLU, I never dreamed we’d be here doing this today. When we stated the League, we had two guys, one girl and a Superman T-Shirt.”

The event was planned by Second Life residents and JLU members Prettykitty Gumbo and Maverick Grunfeld. The event was hosted in a superhero region known as Aftermath with the help of Second Life residents AUS Ninetails and Elusive Butterfly.

The League now makes sizable impacts, helping individuals both inside and outside of the virtual world of Second Life. Denise Harrison, known as Ronnie Rhode in Second Life commented on how the fundraising has helped. “Between your last event and this, you have sent one person free to the next retreat, someone who couldn’t afford it. Thank you for that.”

Project Jason was recently featured in a CNN article (http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/09/28/grace.coldcase.project.jason/index.html) which highlighted the organization’s work. The retreats are one special component that allows loved ones of missing persons to meet and help each other through sharing experiences.

The event was headlined by Tamra Hayden, known as Tamra Sands in Second Life. She has performed on Broadway in “Les Miserables” as well as at Studio 54 in “Cabaret.” Tamra moved the crowd with her renditions of “Bye Bye Blackbird” and “Unforgettable.”

Second Life resident Reno Zeno commented “It’s great to see such good hearted people in this world. Helping a great cause.”

The era music provided by Tamra created a full house, with multiple waves of guests inviting their friends to the event to support the cause. Over forty-five individuals attended during the three hour span. Tamra closed with a touching song that served as a solemn reminder to everyone.

“I’ll be seeing you in every summer’s day; In everything that’s light and gay; I’ll always think of you that way.”

Especially fitting for the cause, it reminded everyone that the pain associated with missing or lost loved ones is very real. We all are reminded that we each have the power to make a difference in our lives and the lives of others; every bit of life we possess can count for something bigger than just ourselves.