Friday, February 2, 2007
Mom’s search for daughter goes Global: TV network latest to highlight family’s search for girl in Vegas
The Kamloops Daily News by Jason Hewlett
Glendene Grant’s quest to find daughter Jessie Foster is about to go Global.
Global National reporter Francis Silvaggio spotlights Grant’s 10-month search Monday during the news program’s 5:30 p.m. broadcast.
“Any time you have a Canadian missing abroad, I think it’s interesting,” Silvaggio said Thursday.
“She’s been missing so long with no leads. It’s a sad story.”
Silvaggio works in Global’s Calgary office. He’s been following Jessie’s story since the Calgary Sun interviewed her dad, Dwight Foster, shortly after she went missing in Las Vegas in March 2006.
His plans to file a story were sidetracked by an assignment in Afghanistan. He returned in time to follow Foster and Grant to Vegas in early January.
The reporter spent three days documenting their efforts to learn more about Jessie’s disappearance.
Silvaggio said the trip was partly successful, Las Vegas TV and newspapers covered their story. Sadly, Jessie is still missing.
“What’s interesting is the fact Glendene believes she is still alive. She so desperately believes Jessie is still out there,” he said.
Jessie, 22, disappeared in Las Vegas in April. An investigation revealed she started dating Peter Todd shortly after moving there.
Todd, a pimp separated from his wife, a prostitute, had a lot of money, fast cars and all-night parties – things that lured Jessie into the lifestyle.
Grant has garnered interest from the FBI, American TV shows Geraldo at Large and The Maury Show and newspapers on both sides of the border.
Silvaggio sympathizes with Grant and Foster’s ordeal.
“It’s a very emotional time for the both of them,” he said.
Grant said Jessie is now featured on the National Center for Missing Adults database.
The family continues to employ Mike Kirkman, an investigator with Las Vegas Detectives, and three of his agents.
All this effort is expensive, prompting Grant to do more fundraising. A dinner at Malone’s on 8th. At the Courtyard takes place Feb. 10 at 7 p.m.
Dinner includes steak or chicken with pasta, caesar salad and garlic toast. A live band provides the evening’s entertainment.
Tickets are $10 and available by e-mailing Grant at glendene@telus.net or phoning 374-6137.
Anyone who would like to contribute to the Jessie Foster Fund can make a donation at any CIBC branch, transit #00050 and account #98-27412.
For more information, go online at http://www.jessiefoster.ca.
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