“The Humanity of Justice: Lighting Even the Darkest Path Toward Justice” — a true-crime novel was formally released to a crowd of over 100 invited guests Thursday evening at Monteleone Meadows in Murrieta.
Burke and Geraldine Strunsky, Humanity of Justice Foundation Founder, and President (Ashley Ludwig/SWRNN)
The event was a celebration of the two-year project by author and Riverside Deputy District Attorney Burke Strunsky.
“It was therapeutic to write, through back-to-back cases, over two-and-a-half year’s time, and is not an easy read,” Geraldine Strunsky said of her husband’s book.
On a personal note, Geraldine remarked on the relationships that have been made with victims and their families: “We’ve become involved with the families (Burke) deals with, even receiving cards for the holidays. As a foundation, we are building partnerships with local organizations that already have programs that aid children that have been abused or neglected.”
The night held a dual purpose as both a book signing and introduction to Burke and Geraldine Strunsky’s Humanity of Justice Foundation (HOJF).
“Our mission is to provide groups with awareness and financing for programs where children have been abused or neglected,” Strunsky said. “The book is a tool to help raise awareness for all, and 100 percent of the proceeds go to the organization.”
HOJF raised over $15,000 at its holiday benefit dinner and silent auction in December 2012, donating to local organizations, such as S.A.F.E. and Rancho Damacitas.
“The Humanity of Justice donated over 200 pairs of pajamas to us in December that we were able to give out to our families for Christmas, and they are also giving scholarships to some of our youth in the PAL (Police Activities League) Teen Leadership Program,” said S.A.F.E. Development Coordinator Patti Drew.
The organization is unique in that it operates without payroll — all board members and staff are comprised of volunteers.
“We continue to build partnerships and work with child protective services to make sure the money we raise goes to organizations that truly benefit the children,” said Geraldine Strunsky, president of HOJF. “Our next fundraising efforts will be at the Temecula Valley Polo Club on June 15.”
“The Humanity of Justice” is a true crime procedural that takes the reader into the world of the courtroom from Strunsky’s point of view, in a book that even he says is not for the faint of heart.
Strunsky himself discussed his new perspective, as a relatively new parent: “After having a daughter, the cases my office deals with are no longer abstract, but real.”
Burke Strunsky is described by Kirkus Reviews as “not a typical ‘Law and Order’ prosecutor” and applauded by The Examiner for his “ongoing faith in humanity and the criminal justice system is refreshing and his persistence in seeking justice for victims of violent crimes…offers hope and inspiration to us all.”
County of Riverside District Attorney Paul Zellerbach, said: “As a prosecutor’s office, we are public servants. What I see (Strunsky) doing is going a step further. Going out in the community and making a difference. I think it is laudatory and wonderful.”
For more information, visit: https://www.thehumanityofjustice.com/.
To purchase the book, visit: https://www.thehumanityofjustice.com/BUY_NOW.html,
Ashley Ludwig is a local writer and regular contributor to SWRNN.
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