About 200 balloons were released Saturday at Blue Hills Park, Kansas City, Missouri in honor of Donnie and Patrick Sanders. The event, which began at 2 p.m., also included speeches from family, friends, and other community members.

Donnie Sanders was shot and killed by a Kansas City Police Department officer on March 13, 2020, at the age of 47. He was unarmed, and, although KCPD’s investigation did not result in charges, Missouri Highway Patrol has recently announced that it will investigate the incident independently.

Donnie’s birthday is on October 27. His friends and family have described him as a kind, caring father, son, and brother. He worked as a nursing technician.

Donnie’s nephew, Patrick Sanders, 22, was shot and killed on October 15, 2020. He was described by friends and family as kind, happy, and always ready to help, even those he didn’t know. His death marks the 150th homicide in Kansas City in 2020.

In addition to reminiscing about both Patrick and Donnie, attendees spoke of the need to support the family and each other through this difficult time, to seek justice for both Donnie and Patrick, and to take both pride and solace with family and in community.

“We take their legacy with us in our hearts,” said Anton Washington of Creative Innovative Entrepreneurs, who helped organize the event. Creative Innovative Entrepreneurs is also raising funds to assist the Sanders family.