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Jed Boal Reporting Two-and-a-half years after her death, friends of Lori Hacking will honor her with a New Year's Eve Celebration.
Lori Hacking would have turned 30 this New Year's Eve. Her friends and family think that's a perfect time to host a fundraiser to support the scholarship in her name.
Lori Hacking and a few of her friends used to shop together each holiday season and share time Christmas Eve. This year, Natalie Bryce thinks they just might start a new tradition with Lori close to their hearts, a tribute to Lori to raise funds for the scholarship fund in her name.
Natalie Bryce, Lori's Friend: "I think I'd describe her as being one of my sisters. We were that close, we shared a lot."
The idea came up last summer and her friends settled on a celebration on her birthday, New Year's Eve. Bryce sees it as a way to remind the public how Lori Hacking really was.
Natalie Bryce: "That's how I knew Lori, in the positive light as a good person, an energetic, brilliant person. Not as somebody who died a tragic death."
Lori Hacking was shot to death by her husband in July 2004. He is serving six years to life in prison.
The Lori Kay Soares Hacking Memorial Scholarship is awarded to two women in the University of Utah Business School who have experienced abuse, financial hardship or family challenges.
The celebration includes live music and dancing.
Natalie Bryce: "Great celebration of the new year, with her birthday party at the same time. The recipients will also talk about how the scholarship has changed their lives."
Tickets for the tribute are $35.
The event starts at Sunday at 9 p.m. at The Point Restaurant at the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
Tickets are $35 a person.
---------- Buy tickets: www.atributetolori.org ------
