An event takes place Saturday, Nov. 3 in Abbotsford to raise money for the legal costs of a mom fighting to bring back her two kids who were abducted by their dad to Lebanon in March.
The Bring Mia and Liam Home Gala features live music with Her Brothers and DJ Sundeep Jassi, along with a silent auction, food and drinks. No minors are allowed.
Mia and Liam Tarabichi, ages 9 and 8, were scheduled to travel on a court-approved trip to Seattle with their dad, Wissam, over spring break.
They didn’t return for the start of school on April 3 at Margaret Stenersen Elementary, and their mom, Shelley Beyak of Abbotsford, was notified.
READ MORE: Abbotsford mom fights to get back kids abducted to Lebanon by their dad
READ MORE: Abbotsford mom is fighting to get kids back from Lebanon
It was then discovered that Wissam had indeed travelled to Seattle but, from there, he and the kids boarded a plane to Paris and then to Beirut, which does not recognize international parental kidnapping as a crime.
Beyak has not seen or heard from her kids since and has launched an extensive legal battle – expected to cost more than $200,000 – to have them returned home.
The gala event on Nov. 3 is raising money to help alleviate that cost.
The event runs from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. at the Cadet Building at Abbotsford Exhibition Park, 32470 Haida Dr.
Tickets are $30 and are available online at eventbrite.ca (search “Bring Mia and Liam Home”).
Contact Shawn White, event co-ordinator, at shawnawhite2014@gmail.com to donate items or services for the silent auction or to volunteer time or skills.
