LAYTON — The memory of Rachael Runyan is still inspiring Utahns to help abducted children.

Elaine Runyan-Simmons, a Layton businesswoman and the mother of the 3-year-old girl who was abducted and murdered in Sunset in 1982, asked the Davis County Chamber of Commerce Women in Business to honor her daughter by raising money for the Utah AMBER Alert Plan, and they responded.

Women in Business raised $6,605—the entire 2010 budget for the Utah AMBER Alert Plan.

Last year the organization raised $5,230 — the entire 2009 budget for Utah’s AMBER Alert.

“Most people don’t realize that Utah’s AMBER Alert Plan is not supported by taxes but is a labor of love by volunteers and supporters,” said Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff. “My heartfelt thanks goes out to Elaine Runyan-Simmons and the Women in Business for giving every child a fighting chance to survive an abduction.”

Women in Business raised the money this year at the sold-out “Come As You Aren’t Party” on Oct. 24. The event featured a dinner, silent auction, comedy from Keith Stubbs, music by Road Bound and a slide show about AMBER Alerts featuring pictures of Rachael Runyan.

“The Women in Business gave their hearts for the cause,” said Runyan-Simmons.

“I am proud to serve on the committee with them and for their support of this worthy cause. We will work tirelessly to make our state safe for our children. We do not want to lose another child to abduction.”

Runyan-Simmons is on the Women in Business Board and a member of the Utah AMBER Alert Advisory Committee.

The Utah Attorney General’s Office coordinates the state’s AMBER Alert Plan but it takes volunteers from law enforcement, broadcasting, transportation and the general public to make sure the system runs effectively.

The donation will be used to pay for training and training materials. The State Legislature passed a law so donors to the Utah AMBER Alert Fund can receive a tax write-off.

The public can still help by donating to: Utah AMBER Alert Fund, Utah Attorney General’s Office, P.O. Box 142320, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-2320.

mwilliams@davisclipper.com