A year ago Monday Jan. 21, mother Leah Maas and grandmother Gail Killian Bensten lost their 23 year-old, son and grandson, Parker Killian Moore. Moore was working at a local restaurant when an armed robbery took place, and he was murdered. No one has been charged in the case.
On Saturday evening Maas, Bensten, family, and friends gathered near Central Georgia Technical College to release 23 led-lighted balloons in his memory and honor. Maas said they released 23 balloons, as that was the age of Moore.
Maas and Bensten since spring of last year have made it their mission to keep Moore’s memory alive in a positive light and promote peace. The two created a nonprofit organization, to which they became an official 501© 3 in December. The organization is called, “Parker Killian Gives Moore.”
“My daughter and I just decided one day what we were going to dedicate our lives to keep Parker’s light shining bright,” Bensten said. “He was loved by everyone, never met a stranger, and was so giving. We hate that this has happened, but it has and we can’t do anything about it however, what we can do is be a positive light and help others.”
Bensten said Warner Robins city employees and officials were very helpful to them providing them resources on how to become a nonprofit. A local attorney also provided their work pro-bono in helping them file through the state for their 501©3 status. In 2018 Maas and Bensten raised funds and provided four college scholarships, and one middle school summer camp scholarship.
“Two of those scholarships are for nursing students at Central Georgia Technical College,” Bensten said. “The other two were for programs at Piedmont Technical College and Gwinnett Technical College. We plan to do that again this year. There have also been swings placed in Parker’s memory at one of his favorite parks, Little Mulberry Park. Then soon work is to begin at Sandy Run Park in Warner Robins. There the Mayor and Council agreed to name the boardwalk after Parker naming it, “Parker’s Trail”. We are just thrilled about that.”
Bensten said that their nonprofit is about giving. On Monday they presented a $250 check to local animal organization, Pawsome Southern Rescue, as well as food, toys, blankets, and more. Bensten said they did this as Moore had a love for animals and ask the local community to join them later in the spring for a fundraiser to benefit the rescue organization. For more information about Pawsome Southern Rescue, go online to their Facebook page.
“Again we want to shine Parker’s light,” Bensten said. “He was so full of life, so kind, and helped anyone he could. So we want to take that and help others as much as we can. We love and miss Parker dearly, but through this he is with us helping us make a difference.”
Bensten said they now have a Facebook page for, “Parker Killain Gives Moore”. She invites everyone to “like” the page, and keep up with details for future events. A music festival is also set to take place in Parker’s memory on Oct. 19 in Suwanee. GA.
