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In death, murdered mom helps troubled teens
By BABITA PERSAUD, Times Staff Writer TAMPA -- Vicki Robinson's friends have found a productive way to keep her memory alive in the four years since the Carrollwood mother was killed by her teenage daughter and her daughter's friends. By forming a nonprofit corporation and holding fundraisers, they are reaching out to parents of troubled teens. "It's a way to make good out of the evil that was done to someone we love deeply," said Ed Philips, a close friend of Vicki Robinson's. Four years ago Thursday, Vicki Robinson disappeared and her body was found days later. She had been stabbed to death by Valessa, her 15-year-old daughter, and two of Valessa's friends. Valessa was convicted in April 2000 of third-degree murder and is now serving a 20-year sentence. Valessa's boyfriend, Adam Davis, who dealt the fatal blows, was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. Their friend and accomplice, Jon Whispel, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and is serving 25 years. About a dozen of Robinson's friends decided to incorporate and formed the nonprofit Vicki Lyn Foundation. The 3-year-old foundation has held Valentine's dances, silent auctions and golf tournaments, raising about $8,000, Philips said. Part of that money helped establish a Web site, www.vickirobinson.com, which features a state-by-state guide of support groups and residential treatment centers nationwide. The site also offers advice to parents about dealing with troubled teens and includes stories from parents and from troubled teens. Last year, the foundation decided to sponsor a child at the residential treatment center Steppin' Stone Farm, a Christian-based program near Plant City for troubled girls. Vicki Robinson had wanted to send Valessa to Steppin' Stone. The day Valessa was supposed to enter the program turned out to be the day of Vicki Robinson's funeral. The program costs $1,000 a month. The Vicki Lyn Foundation paid for four months for one teenage girl, said Cindy Churchill, the program's director. "I thought it was really good," Churchill said. "They are trying to take one thing that is really bad and turn it into something good." The young woman has a story similar to Valessa's, Philips said. She had a terrible relationship with her parents, was hanging out with the wrong crowd and dated an older boy. "Today, she has a loving, respectful relationship with her parents," Philips said. The foundation wants to do more. A silent auction and $30-a-plate fundraising dinner are planned Aug. 3 at the Rusty Pelican Restaurant on Rocky Point. "There is no magic wand in any of this," Philips said. "But we feel called to do it."
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From the Times Ernest Hooper |
