Families of missing Nebraskans will gather in Lincoln on October 17 to launch the first annual “Nebraska Missing Person’s Day.” Organizer Jannel Rap says families with missing loved ones will gather at First Christian Church at 16th and K Street at 10:00 a.m.
“We also have families that have missing loved ones that are coming from as far away as the UK, Pennsylvania and Texas. That is how needed a day like this is.” Rap tells KLIN News the event will be an opportunity for them to bring further awareness of their loved one’s cases to the media and the public.
Rap says the disappearance date of her sister Gina on October 17, 2000 was chosen to represent missing Nebraskans. Rap tells KLIN News Gina had just finished playing at an open mic night at the now closed Duggan’s Pub at 11th and K Street.
“She walked out and she had her guitar with her and she had a book with music and she got to her car and that’s the last she was seen,” Rap says. “The next day her car was found right where it was parked, her guitar was in the trunk, her music was in the trunk, the trunk was slightly ajar and no Gina. She simply vanished from that point.”
The event will feature several notable participants, including Ed Smart, father of kidnapping survivor Elizabeth Smart.
Rap admits the event will be a sad occasion for many of those attending. “But there is joy in the gathering and there is joy in the opportunity to make a difference for the families. You will be inspired by the speakers and their stories.” Overall, Rap is hoping this public event will bring in tips and help shine a light on the cases of all missing Nebraskans.