Spelly's Ready for 'We Are Murrieta' Benefit Event

They just keep pouring in, Spelly's Pub & Grille owners Joe and Christina Spellman said Wednesday about community raffle and auction donations for Thursday's event.

The event, to be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Spelly's, will raise money to benefit the families or charities of two recent Murrieta homicide victims: Sam Vanettes and Saskia Burke. allegedly by an off-duty Riverside County Sheriff's Deputy, and Dec. 20.

Thursday's benefit is being orchestrated by the city of Murrieta Economic Development Department, the and .

"It was very important for us to do this," said Christina. "It was a tragedy, but you have to acknowledge it happened.

"People needed an outlet so they could do something. Being able to donate is giving them something to do for the families—it's a chance for the community to heal."

Christina said the event is a community gesture to the Burke and Vanettes families, and is understandably not expecting them to attend.

Three live bands are scheduled to play. During music intermissions, Christina said donated items will be raffled and auctioned off. Donated items include autographed Murrieta Valley High School graduate and professional golfer Rickie Fowler Puma hats, dinner at a Murrieta fire station, a Paul Frank beach cruiser, $100 gift certificates to, golf at Bear Creek Country Club and more.

Raffle tickets are $1, and other, larger ticket items will be live auctioned, Christina said.

"We Are Murrieta" T-shirts donated by Logo Joe's will be sold for $5 each. There are purple shirts for women and gray shirts for men.

In addition to all the raffle and auction proceeds going to benefit the victims, Spelly's will donate a portion of its sales from the evening.

Soups, sandwiches, salads, burgers and appetizers will be sold, but not dinner entrees.

Spelly's plans to rope off an outdoor area as well for any overflow, and stressed it is a family event so parents are encouraged to bring their children.

City of Murrieta Business Development Manager Kimberly Davidson was pleased Wednesday with how things were coming together.

“Spelly’s has really done a great job of collecting several raffle and auction items from businesses in the community. They are really hoping to hand the victims’ families a lot of money from the event," Davidson said.

"This event really shows a community coming together."