C.O. businesses help in search efforts for missing Bend woman

A group of friends and volunteers met again Thursday at the Alfalfa Market Store as they continue to coordinate and search for clues to where Sara Gomez, 24, of Bend could be, more than two weeks after she disappeared.

Gomez, who was last seen leaving her workplace, the Bend North Albertsons, late Monday, Feb. 19, has been the subject of extensive searches by police, friends and family ever since.

Her ex-boyfriend, Bryan Penner, 31, was arrested two days later in a raid on his apartment and held on charges of violating an active restraining order involving Gomez. Police said evidence tied to the disappearance was found at his apartment, and Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel has said prosecutors believe Penner was the only person involved in her disappearance.

Penner, who faces two counts of contempt of court, appeared by video hookup from the county jail last month for his initial hearing before Circuit Judge Michael Adler.

On Thursday, Hummel could only say that investigators are still searching for Gomez.

Several businesses around Central Oregon have stepped up in helping the friends and family of Gomez by donating supplies and money for the search efforts.

Costco donated supplies like food and water to help feed the volunteers while they continue to search.

On Wednesday night, Pappy’s Pizza raised $1,200 and Abby’s Pizza raised more than $200.

Round Table Pizza held a fundraiser all day Thursday and will be donating 15 percent of all the sales to help in the search efforts.

General Manager Marcus Welch said people were calling about the fundraiser all day.

Welch said they are a national chain, but the owners live here locally and wanted to help the Gomez family.

Just down the street, Applebee’s is preparing to host a fundraiser on St. Patrick’s Day that will raise funds for the Gomez family.

The Bend location will be serving all you can eat eggs, sausage and pancakes with a drink for only $10. They are hoping they can sell up to 500 meals that day.

Dava Malcolm, general manager of the restaurant, said this is personal for her and everyone in her restaurant wants to find Gomez.

“We always support our community,” Malcolm said. With the Sara Gomez case, we just want to bring awareness to domestic violence victims as well as support her family by the pancake breakfast.”

If you’re unable to attend these events, the family has set up an account at Selco Community Credit Union. The account name is under “Stay Strong for Sara.” There is also a busy Facebrook group, Finding Sara.

Family members tell NewsChannel 21 the money will be used to make flyers and purchase supplies to help in the search to find Gomez.