Leonore Draper: My Friend, My Brightlight.
Want to Save This Recipe, Boo?
I'll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later!
On Friday night, I hosted my first Grandbaby Cakes branded event “A Charitable Confection”. It was a great success. Over 400 people attended and supported this event raising funds for Project Orange Tree, a teen organization dedicated to educating the community about structural violence. So much fun was had. I can’t tell you how many people came to me and told me they couldn’t wait for the next one. Around 10 pm the fantastic event ended, and I went home on a high I felt was impossible to come down from.
LIFE ALTERING EVENT
Around 1 am, that smile ceased and hasn’t come back. My dear friend and A Charitable Confection committee member Leonore Draper was shot and killed sitting in her car in front of her home. It was a stray bullet in a senseless drive-by that took her life from so many. Leonore was on the fundraising committee and helped to bring in incredible silent auction items for us to raise funds for Project Orange Tree. She was not just this but a best friend that I knew for almost 15 years. We met our freshman year in college but by junior year, we were very close. I met her husband the same day she met him, and picked out her wedding dress.
I was a bridesmaid in her wedding. She helped me pick my wedding dress as well and even planned my bachelorette party.
FRIENDS ‘TIL THE END
We supported each other through everything. She was such a go-getter and had so much more to live for. From getting her MBA last year to beginning to pursue her dreams of being a makeup artist, she was going after it all, all while continuing to work full-time and being the most loving wife to my friend Jason Draper. Last week, we talked about how we were getting together to hang out and all the fun things she had planned for this summer. I complimented her on how her makeup skills had become so amazing.
LEONORE DRAPER: MY NEW ANGEL
Leonore was not just some nameless victim; she was family to so many people that I can never let this rest. The devastation and pain I feel sometimes doesn’t feel real. What I know is this: This past weekend was the hardest of my life but I am a fighter. Leonore was definitely a fighter, which is why we were friends for so long. So while the concept “pain into power” is insanely difficult to comprehend right now, that’s the only thing I am focused on. I will fight for Leonore and so many others losing their lives. I’ve got purpose; I’ve got a team; I’ve got my armor on; and I’ve got Lee as my angel! Let’s go!
We hosted a candle light vigil in Chicago in honor of Leonore in the very place she was shot on Friday, May 2 at 10 pm, her home 11601 S. Laflin. Everyone wore orange and brought an orange candle as we stood together against the gun violence that continues to take precious lives from this great city.
pinterest 
facebook 
twitter 
email
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I did not know Lenore personally, but as a Chicago native and avid news reader I was heartbroken to hear this news. The violence in Chicago is unacceptable – yet after reading about Lenore and her activism I think she has been an angel all along. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thank you so much Sam!!! I am so grateful for your thoughts and prayers.
Jocelyn, I am so sorry to hear about the tragic loss of Leonore. Looking at the beautiful, bright smile of hers, my heart aches for you, her family, and all whose lives she touched. She is the perfect example of how life should be lived: be a good friend, give your time to what matters, and make a difference in all you do. Her legacy will live on.
Sending the biggest of hugs to you! You are certainly a woman of strength, but please know there are so many of us here for you!
Jocelyn, I am so, so very sorry to hear of your friend’s passing. If I were in Chicago or anywhere near it, I would be at the vigil in a heartbeat. You are so strong. Keep going, girl. You’re in my thoughts and prayers! XO
This was awesome. Lee was so much to so many people. I’m committed to sharing her story and strengthen my efforts as a woman in servitude. We will work through this together.
Indeed we will! So grateful for all that Lee did!
I had no idea when I started to read your post that you lost your dear friend. I’m sooo sorry and I just don’t know any words to comfort you. I’m in still shock at what I just read. Leonore seems like an amazing person and how could someone take her life. Be strong at this difficult time, and continue doing great job. I’m sending you big hugs!
Keep it up, Jocelyn. I cannot imagine how hard it is to stay focused and organized while all this is going on! You are making a difference and impacting so many people. First through the convention and now through honoring Leonore. Wishing you peace and strength, Jocelyn!
I am so sorry for your loss. The senseless violence is so disheartening. I am so sad for you and her family. prayers and thoughts your way.
Thank you so much Bobbi!
I’m so sorry for your loss. When will this madness ever end? In my generation, if you had a problem with someone, you met them on the playground after school, one on one, and fought until there was peace. You didn’t worry about losing your life; just face. BUT you had better not have ripped clothes to go home in to face your MOTHER.
Yes, we ran in a “gang” but that’s an entirely different word now. Our “gang” was girls and boys playing baseball, getting dirty building tree houses, stealing fruit off neighbors’ trees and then eating it. It never occurred to us to be mean to anyone. We were FRIENDS and others were welcome to join us. We had FUN. Together. Every. Day. Our mothers knew we were in the neighborhood somewhere and that we would be home BEFORE dark. I mourn the fact that the generations after mine have lost that freedom of childhood. And I grieve for your loss.
Yeah it is seriously so terrible. I am praying that we can begin to stop this madness and go back to simplier times.
The courage and strength you transmit through this post, motivates me just as much as your beautiful recipes and food posts… there is no way I can compare them but just wanted to let you know I admire the conviction you have to give your very best. Stay strong and out of pain but fueled by love for Leonore instead. Hugs!
I’m still in shock. I just can’t believe it. Leonore, you will be missed tremendously. Jocelyn, you’re a wonderful friend. I’m committed to helping in anyway I can.
A.