Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Embassy Suites by Hilton, Loveland
Alternatives to Violence (ATV) invites the community to its annual Purple Ribbon Breakfast on Wednesday, April 23. The event serves to raise awareness about domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking, as well as raise funds to help maintain ATV’s critical services, including emergency shelter, safety planning and advocacy. This year’s guest speakers are Nichole and James Schmidt. They are the mother and stepfather of Gabby Petito and board members of the Gabby Petito Foundation. Their daughter’s story garnered national media attention in 2021 and is the subject of a new Netflix documentary.
“We are incredibly grateful to have Nichole and James join us as keynote speakers,” says Kari Clark, executive director of Alternatives to Violence. “Their courage in turning their personal tragedy into a movement for awareness and change is truly inspiring, and we know their message will resonate deeply with our audience.”
The event is free to attend and brings together community members, business leaders and advocates to show their support and help make an impact on the lives of survivors in our area. Event attendees will gain an understanding of ATV’s services and the challenges survivors face through the Schmidts’ presentation. In 2021, the Schmidts suffered an unspeakable tragedy when their daughter, Gabby, was brutally strangled to death and left in the wilderness by a person they thought loved and cared for her. They advocate for change in the world of domestic violence and missing persons. Their mission with the Gabby Petito Foundation is to be a voice for victims, survivors and their families to create meaningful change that can save lives, and help find the missing—all in Gabby’s memory.
The Purple Ribbon Breakfast will be held at Embassy Suites by Hilton Loveland Hotel Conference Center & Spa, located at 4705 Clydesdale Pkwy. in Loveland. Check-in begins at 7:30 am. The presentation is from 8-9:30 a.m. The event is free to attend, but pre-registration is required. Those wanting to attend should register at alternativestoviolence.org/purple-ribbon-breakfast.
Individuals and companies are encouraged to serve as table hosts or sponsors. Table hosts assist by inviting guests to the event. Sponsorships for the Purple Ribbon Breakfast are available at $5,000 and $1,000. Sponsorship includes recognition on in-person and online promotions, plus the opportunity to be part of an essential group helping victims of violence right here in our community.
This year’s sponsors of the Purple Ribbon Breakfast include Bank of Colorado, DS Constructors, FNBO, James Zack Consulting, Realities For Children and UCHealth.
Those wishing to be a table host or sponsor should contact communication and development manager, Rose Marie Massaro, at 970.669.5150 ext. 124 or rosemarie.massaro@alternativestoviolence.org.
Those who cannot attend the event but wish to donate to Alternatives to Violence can visit the website at alternativestoviolence.org.