Bright and early on April 23, 2024 Alternatives to Violence and hundreds of dedicated supporters gathered together at the Embassy Suites Conference Center. The annual event aims to unite the community in support of survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, raising funds for the critical services they need to heal and start fresh.
The one-hour agenda was filled with speakers and activities! Alternatives to Violence Executive Director, Kari Clark, started by thanking everyone for being in attendance and acknowledging sponsors, that included: Bank of Colorado, UCHealth, FNBO, Harmony Skin and Wellness, James Zack Consulting, Nordson Medical, Sater Tools & Services, The Women’s Clinic of Northern Colorado, Realities for Children and Rowes Flowers generously donated the beautiful centerpieces.
There was some time for fun and interaction with the crowd when Jillian Kolman, Non-Residential Program Manager, and Joey O’Bryan, Non-Residential Case Manager led the crowd through an eye-opening, yet fun game, of red vs green flag challenges. Each table was given a handful of red and green flags. The speakers read off common scenarios in which the audience reacted by identifying if they thought the scenario showcased a red or green flag. There were some tricky ones!
Following the activity, O’Bryan introduced the first keynote speaker, Kimberly Corban. Corban shared the inspiring personal story of her own sexual assault in college. She highlighted that her experience is a constant battle and the fight doesn’t just stop if or when the perpetrator is arrested. She spoke passionately about her constant legal battles and the mishandling of similar cases by the justice system. Corban continues to advocate for women experiencing violence as well as working to influence how the criminal justice system treats cases like hers.
Kari Clark returned to the stage to thank Corban and introduce the second keynote speaker, Erica Bethel. Bethel shared the heartbreaking and emotional story of her journey with domestic violence. She painted a vivid picture of her life with her perpetrator and her two amazing daughters. She shares her story with the hope for change so that other families, other mothers, don’t have to go through what she did. Bethel is also the founder of Joy & Justice, a non-profit organization that strengthens the relationship between a child and their safe parent.
The event was a huge success thanks to our many volunteers and wonderful staff. Thank you to everyone who donated to Alternatives to Violence, your donation directly supports those in need. Thank you to each inspiring woman who shared their story with us. We appreciate and commend everyone who works to support our united mission.