Go Big or Go Home! is the motto at Spelly’s Pub & Grille in Murrieta, CA and this past Thursday night they were going big and no one was going home. Organized in conjunction with the city, “We Are Murrieta…United We Thrive” was a benefit to raise money for the families of Murrieta’s December homicide victims—Saskia Burke, who was stabbed to death at her family’s home, and Sam Venettes, who was shot to death inside Spelly’s.
Three bands donated their time and played throughout the evening to a standing-room-only crowd, and raffle tickets were available for $1.00 each, with prizes being awarded all through the night. Joe Spellman himself served as auctioneer in a live auction, which included big-ticket items such as Laker tickets, a Paul Frank beach cruiser, and a round of golf at Bear Creek Golf Club. A silent auction was also going on, with items donated from local merchants and restaurants. The event had all the makings of a night out, a party, a good time for all—but no one forgot the real reason they were there.
- Saskia Burke’s Father
The Venettes family was not able to attend the event but they sent a letter, which Business Development Manager at City of Murrieta, Kimberly Davidson, read aloud. Davidson said that there had been some concern in the community that they were being insensitive by holding the benefit at Spelly’s, but she assured everyone that they had been in contact with the Venettes family and had received their support. The letter said that Sam was generous, gentle, and kind, even to the man who shot him, and that his death has left the family with such a feeling of sadness and despair. She went on to read that the family would like to thank the city of Murrieta and the community for all of the love, support, and prayers they had been receiving, which is helping them cope with their loss.
Saskia Burke’s father also spoke to the crowd, thanking Spelly’s and all the people of Murrieta. He said that he was amazed at the outpouring of love his family has been receiving since the tragic event. During both speeches, you could hear a pin drop as people stopped what they were doing and paid respect to the victims.
Spelly’s Pub & Grille is a safe and friendly place to be, as is the City of Murrieta. It’s tragic that these two murders, which occurred a day apart, put fear into our community and forever changed the lives of two of our own families.
Anyone wishing to make a donation to the families can do so at the Commerce Bank of Temecula Valley on Hancock through the end of January. Reference ”We Are Murrieta” when donating.
