Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley

Silent auction to support families impacted by homicide and unexpected trauma featuring Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley

On Sunday, December 14, The Just-In-Time Initiative will bring together families, survivors, community leaders, and supporters for a deeply meaningful fundraiser and silent auction from 3 to 7 p.m. at La Fábrica Restaurant, 450 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge.

This event is more than a fundraiser — it is a gathering of hearts, a celebration of resilience, and a call to support families facing the unthinkable.

The Just-In-Time Initiative was founded out of profound loss by two mothers whose lives were forever changed by gun violence:

• Denise Cosby, who lost her 21-year-old son, Justin Cosby, to murder on the campus of Harvard University in 2009.
• Faye Rackley, who lost her 19-year-old grandson, Kenneth Rackley, to murder in 2010.

From their deepest grief grew a powerful mission: to make sure that families who lose loved ones to homicide are not left alone, not forgotten, and not forced to navigate trauma without support.

A Heartfelt Evening of Healing and Hope

The fundraiser will feature a series of personal testimonies, community voices, and presentations that speak directly to the real, raw experiences of families affected by homicide. The organization is honored to welcome several powerful and wonderful presenters, including Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, whose advocacy for justice and community healing aligns with the heart of this event.

Guests will also experience:

• A silent auction filled with donated items that reflect community generosity
• Healing testimonies from survivors and loved ones
• Raffle prizes
• Educational insights from advocates, law enforcement, and community professionals
• Space for remembrance, connection, and empowerment

Every dollar raised will help provide critical support to grieving families — including counseling, crisis assistance, court guidance, youth outreach, emergency resources, and memorial support.

A Message from the Founders

“After Justin was taken from me, I didn’t know how to breathe, how to move, or how to keep living. My heart was broken into a million pieces,” said founder Denise Cosby. “But I knew no mother should ever walk this path alone. Justin lost his voice that day so I became his voice.  This organization is built on love — the love I have for my son and for every parent like me.”

Co-founder Faye Rackley shared, “When Kenneth was taken, his family and my world were shattered. But through helping others, I found purpose again. We want families to feel held, supported, and seen. This fundraiser allows us to continue providing hope where it’s needed most.  We want everyone to know, Not One Stands Alone.”

Join Us. Stand With Us. Give Hope.

The Just-In-Time Initiative invites the community to come together in compassion, remembrance, and action.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
To reserve tickets or learn more, please visit: https://share.google/WkXJZ7WwhlNIN5CPR

About the Just-In-Time Initiative:
The Just-In-Time Initiative is a nonprofit organization providing support, advocacy, and resources to families who have lost loved ones to homicide. Rooted in compassion and founded in remembrance, the organization exists to bring healing, education, and hope to grieving families across the community.