It's now week 3 in the search for Samantha Koenig, the 18-year-old barista who went missing at her workplace at a Midtown coffee stand.
Family and friends are trying to keep her disappearance at the forefront of everyone's minds with a special event.
It’s a fundraiser sponsored by Top Hat Entertainment, an event center. One of the 7 organizers, Michelle Tasker said, proceeds from the event, called "Samstock," will go towards future searches and to increase the reward fund.
“Maybe there's a certain figure people are looking for, and once we hit it, it might just be the money shot that will get her home,” said Tasker. “We are covering every base at that point.”
Police said the 18-year-old was abducted February 1, and since then, the department received about 360 tips. According to police, the case itself is unlike any case they've worked on before, but Sgt. Slawomir Markiewicz said there are solid leads they are following up on. He added there are at least a dozen detectives and a handful of officers are on the streets working continuously through long nights and weekends.
“We have to be optimistic and continue to do so, and continue working hard on this case until it’s resolved,” said Sgt. Markiewicz.
Family and friends are hoping this weekend's fundraiser will not only raise awareness about Samantha's disappearance, but also give the public a chance to get to know Samantha and her family.
The event will be held at 6250 Tuttle Place in Anchorage. It is from 2-6 p.m. on Saturday, February 25th.
