The community gathered in Stroudsburg yesterday to raise awareness and funds for Dana Smithers, who has been missing since May 28, 2022.
A crowd of supporters lined Main Street in front of Sherman Theater from 11 am to 3 pm on Sunday. Friends, family, and strangers came together to bring awareness that Stroudsburg resident Dana Smithers has been missing for over three months. The event featured live music by local musician Chris Zelenka, a bake sale, and a raffle, with the proceeds going towards a billboard near Smuggler’s Cove in Tannersville, a reward, and care for Smither’s 6-year-old daughter.
Stacey Anne Smithers, also of Stroudsburg, has been leading the search for her sister, Dana, and hopes someone out there has answers. “We don’t know what happened,” she said. “She just disappeared.” Smithers is extremely grateful that so many have chosen to get involved. “My neighbors baked all of these muffins. People who we didn’t know have been coming to us.” She hopes the event will urge others to join the efforts as well.
Local musician Chris Zelenka felt the need to get involved once he heard of Dana’s disappearance. Well-known throughout the area, Zelenka has been playing venues throughout the Poconos for years. He reached out to Stacey, asked her to pick a day, and told her he would be there to perform. “Getting more people involved is key,” Zelenka said.
Family friend Sal Furino of Tannersville would like to see more new people join the discussion. Furino shared concerns about the lack of signs and media coverage. “Not enough is being said about it,” said Furino. “It needs to be talked about every day.”
Over the past week, a few of Dana’s friends and family members have been posting flyers around town. A new billboard is expected to go up near Smuggler’s Cove today.
Dana Smithers is described as being 45 years of age. She is 5’5 and has brown eyes and curly brown hair. She was last seen outside her home at approximately 11 pm on Saturday, May 28, wearing a burgundy t-shirt and black jeans. Smither’s cellphone, wallet, vehicle, and anxiety medication have been recovered inside her home.
Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact Detective Robert Transue or Detective Dan Knowles of Stroud Regional Police Dept. at (570) 421-6800.
Anyone looking to contribute financially to the search is urged to do so at gofundme.com.
