LAYTON -- Davis Chamber of Commerce members, and others, will be able to learn the "Local Story Behind the National Amber Alert" at a special luncheon presentation Thursday, Oct. 13, hosted by the chamber's Women In Business-Professional Leader organization. "Triumph Over Tragedy --The Rachael Runyon Story," will be presented 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Castlebrook Reception Center, 930 West Antelope Drive in Layton. Guest speakers will include Mark Shurtleff, Utah Attorney General; Elaine Runyon-Simmons, Rachel's mother; and Gina McMahon, Bureau of Criminal Investigations.

The cost to attend is $15 for chamber members and $20 for non-members. Those interested need to RSVP to (801) 295-6944.

Rachael Runyon was a beautiful three-year-old girl from Sunset. She was lured away by a stranger offering her ice cream and bubblegum. Sadly, she was found three weeks later, bound, murdered and hidden in an isolated mountain stream.

As devastating as this tragedy was, Rachael's mother, Elaine, overcame her grief and built a life educating children and their parents on the dangers of abductions. Elaine has also been actively involved in legislative issues that involve children, and serves on the Attorney General's Amber Alert Advisory Committee.

Speakers at Thursday's luncheon will address the positive changes that have been made over the years by local and federal agencies in dealing with child abductions.

For more information on this event, contact Shelly Nette-sheim, (801) 628-7333.

The mission of the Davis Chamber of Commerce-Women in Business-Professional Leadership organization is to enhance career, character and the community by -- building business alliances through education and the advocacy of women's issues, and -- supporting the Davis Chamber at large.



bmickelson@davisclipper.com