The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office donated $10,000 to support the local community organization, Rise Above the Violence. The check was presented to Carmen Gray, founder, by Sheriff Rick Staly and Chief David Williams. Funds for this donation came directly from seized drug dealer assets.
According to its website, Rise Above the Violence was formed due to the tragic murder in 2019 of Curtis Israel Gray, a rising star student athlete at both Matanzas and Flagler Palm Coast High Schools. He was also a community advocate who invested much of his life helping youth in Flagler County, FL.
“This is a great way to remember Curtis Gray and I commend his mother, Carmen, for turning tragedy into empowering our youth with life skills,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “Not only do we close poison peddler businesses, but we also seize their assets. By seizing assets, we are taking a bite out of criminal profits, and as a result, we can support great organizations like Rise Above the Violence that benefit our youth and prevent crime in Flagler County.”
The organization aims to impact the social and emotional wellness of youth in the aftermath of violence with post-impact training. It offers after-school workshops and seminars, camps, and serves as a liaison between local businesses and residents to connect youth and families to needed community resources.
To learn more about Rise Above the Violence, or to donate online, visit LongLiveCurt.com.
