URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — People were raising awareness and money for a brighter future during the second annual Sons and Daughters in Heaven Gala in Urbana on Sunday.

“A Cry For You” is a non-profit organization that meets weekly to give and gain support from those who’ve lost loved ones to gun violence. One mother at the gala said that they’re like a family. They love one another, pick each other up, and fight 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 about remembering the ones who have lost their lives because of gun violence. For many there on Sunday, it’s a cause very near to their hearts.

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

Weatherall added that unless you’ve been through it, it’s hard to understand the emotions that come with losing a child to gun violence. It’s why A Cry For You, means so much to 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’s son Jeremy was shot and killed in 2015. O’Neal said that she’s grateful not only to get support, but to offer it to others who’ve experienced the same loss.

“To be around a group of women to help me get through, you know, A Cry For You, because I was crying inside. We all come together and we show love to each other,” O’Neal shared.

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.