URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Participants gathered to raise awareness and funds for a hopeful future at the second annual Sons and Daughters in Heaven Gala held in Urbana on Sunday.

“A Cry For You” is a non-profit group that convenes weekly to provide and receive support for those who have lost loved ones to gun violence. One mother at the event likened them to a family, highlighting their love, support, and shared commitment to fighting for lives.

“I want to make sure people remember him because my son had this big, infectious smile,” Shalunda Weatherall said.

The Sons and Daughters in Heaven Gala is dedicated to honoring those who have lost their lives to gun violence. For many attendees on Sunday, this cause holds deep personal significance.

“I am a mother of a gun violence victim, Rashaud Weatherall, was killed October 4th, 2022,” Weatherall said.

Weatherall noted that understanding the emotions tied to such a loss, particularly that of a child to gun violence, is difficult without experiencing it firsthand. This is why “A Cry For You” resonates so profoundly with her.

“To be around people that understand your feelings and have those same feelings and can relate to it, you know, makes a difference,” Weatherall said.

Angela O’Neal, whose son Jeremy was fatally shot in 2015, expressed her gratitude not only for the support she receives but also for the opportunity to extend it to others who share a similar grief.

“Being with a group of women helps me navigate through my pain, as A Cry For You did when I was silently suffering. We unite and show compassion to one another,” O’Neal explained.

Weatherall said that the gala is a reminder of how gun violence impacts more than just the victims.

“As a mom, it’s something that you have to wake up every day to endure and try to make it through the day just as best you can,” Weatherall said.

O’Neal admitted that as much as the group means to her, she hopes no other mother ever needs to join.

“Because I know when they come there, they’re coming because they lost their child,” O’Neal said.

The gala was all about finding light in the darkness. They said it’s so heartwarming to see people in the community come out to support.

“It lets us know that we’re not alone in this fight to try to show awareness of gun violence. So, we appreciate it,” Weatherall said.

The money raised goes towards giving family members experiences like a spa day and other resources to help in their healing process.