Unsung Heroes: How Donors Help Bring Movement to Cold Cases
Sydney Pacha, Development Director
March 2026
Together, We Can Solve Cold Cases
Our community of supporters often hear, “Together, we can solve cold cases” from the team at Season of Justice. We do not say these words lightly . . . when we say this we are speaking from experience that collective action makes resolution and justice possible.
Season of Justice recently announced our 30th “SOJ Solve”, bringing long awaited answers to the family of Mary Theresa Simpson whose life was tragically taken when she was 12 years old in 1964 (learn more here). This case closure and all of the answers we have been able to assist investigative agencies and families in finding are the culmination of a dedicated community of supporters.
Our organizations success and growth is because of you, having been achieved through:
- 9,420 separate donations
- From 2,409 individuals and organizations.
- Including 164 recurring donors
- Over 5 years
- Raising over $2,000,000
The Unfortunate Truth
Money is and most likely always will be a sensitive topic, but in today’s world the sad and unfortunate truth is that money does make the world go round. Advanced DNA testing and public awareness campaigns are expensive, and just like everything else the price continues to increase.
As people invested in cold case resolution, we can often think that the justice system should be doing more to investigate and close cold cases, and whatever our opinion may be on that matter, it is important to understand that it is not a reality at the moment.
Almost 300,000 homicides from the last two decades remain unsolved (Murder Accountability Project) – this number exemplifies the unimaginable workload of law enforcement agencies and the lack of budget allocated to supporting investigations of non-active cases. Every day, new crimes occur and continue to push the priority of cold cases farther down the list in county and state labs with extreme backlogs and outdated equipment. Additionally, while the impact of disrupted federal funding is still unfolding, it is likely that the backlog will continue to grow.
With that being the reality of public labs, we might think that private labs are the answer . . . and they can be. But every accredited private lab is constantly training and evaluating staff, onboarding new technology and equipment, and devoting long hours to making testing possible, all of which costs money.
We are allowed to have strong thoughts and feelings about this and want and fight for systematic change, but all change takes time. The Season of Justice community is made up of supporters who are choosing to take action now, and provide timely support with the understanding that systems need to change.
Choosing to Bridge the Gap
The generosity of the donors who support our work is sometimes the ONLY thing that is pushing these cases forward and providing victims and families the chance to find justice. The choice that is made to donate to Season of Justice is not taken for granted by the Season of Justice team, the investigative agencies who we assist, and the families we support. We understand that right now uncertainty is a constant in our lives and there are a lot of competing priorities for your attention and dollars. We are truly humbled and honored by the choices that are made everyday to support Season of Justice’s work and provide hope that justice can prevail.
So, please know that when we say, “Whether you can give $5 or $500, your gift directly impacts the status of cold cases” we are being 100% truthful. Only the collective action of those that care deeply about these victims and their loved ones is what keeps moving these cases forward.
Why Do You Support Season of Justice?
We asked our Cold Case Champions, the dedicated recurring donors who keep our mission moving, what inspires them to give. Many of them share the same heartfelt reasons:
“Because I want to make an impact. I can’t just listen to these stories and consume true crime content without taking action to help find resolution and justice for these families.”
“Families deserve answers; perpetrators should be brought to justice, and I believe the work you do makes that happen.”
“I feel very passionately that my money can change lives by supporting causes close to my heart.”
“Everyone deserves justice and answers!”
Justice is not achieved alone, and Season of Justice remains incredibly grateful to the past and current donors that have allowed us to support 249 cold cases since 2021, and look forward to working in partnership with the new donors who will allow us to continue this impactful work because. . .
Together, we DO solve cold cases.
With sincere gratitude,
Sydney Pacha, CFRE
Development Director