Courage Walk, Saturday, April 25th, 2020 - Courage Walk
This event celebrates over three decades of extraordinary progress made on behalf of millions of victims since the passage of the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA).
VOI Make A Difference Soirée, Thursday, September 24th, 2020
Save the Date for the 8th annual "Make A Difference Soirée". Due to COVID issues, the Soirée will be a virtual affair this year.
Details soon to be announcedColorado Gives Day November-December, 2020
Each year VOI participates with thousands of Coloradans in the annual online giving date to raise money and awareness of the important work of non-profits in our communities. 100% of the money given in the 24 hours of giving in December 8 goes to non-profits, thanks to the generous support of Community First Foundation, FirstBank, and other sponsors.
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Past Events:
2020 8th Annual Soirée
Our first 'virtual' online Soirée and Auction, due to Corona Virus restrictions, and announcing the Bricks of Courage sale of commemorative bricks to benefit VOI and the Courage Garden
Bricks of Courage
The Bricks of Courage Campaign is an opportunity for you to permanently support the Courage Walk and VOI. The Courage Walkway will be laid in a spiral formation as a way to show interconnection between all those honored with a brick placement.
Your purchase of a Brick of Courage will serve as a reminder to all those that visit, the importance of celebration and relationship, even in hard times. We hope that the Courage Walkway will bring hope to those that pass by or sit to reflect on a loved on that is remembered with a Brick of Courage.
Mark McIntosh is our MC,
Founder and CEO of Victory Productions.
Gary Corbett is our Autioneer.
2020 Courage Walk
Saturday, April 25th, 2020 Honoring Our Past - Creating Hope for the Future
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is being observed this year from April 19 - 25, 2020.
We were sorry to have to postpone this year's Courage Walk event due to Corona Virus complications.
The 27th Annual Courage Walk is a time to honor the strength and courage of survivors in the aftermath of crime - and a time to speak out in unison for crime victims’ rights and services today and in the future. This year’s theme emphasizes the importance of inclusion in Victim Services.
This event celebrates three decades of extraordinary progress made on behalf of millions of victims since the passage of the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA).
This commemorative week has been set aside since 1981 to honor crime victims and the first responders, advocates, counselors, and others who assist them in their time of need, as well as the law enforcement personnel who work to bring offenders to justice.
Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable . . .
every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifce,
suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and
passionate concern of dedicated individuals.
– Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929–1968)
Dec 8th- 2020 - Colorado Gives Day!
With the help of police, grants and private funding, VOI has helped nearly 5,000 people this year alone, in the eight Jefferson County communities we serve.
Your donation today on Colorado Gives Day will Help us Make A Difference in the lives of people who need and deserve a helping hand.
2019 7th Annual Soirée
A wonderful evening at the historic Lakewood Country Club
2019 Courage Walk
Honoring Our Past - Creating Hope for the Future
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is being observed April 7-13, 2019. The 26th Annual Courage Walk is a time to honor the strength and courage of survivors in the aftermath of crime - and a time to speak out in unison for crime victims’ rights and services today and in the future. This year’s theme emphasizes the importance of inclusion in Victim Services.
This event celebrates three decades of extraordinary progress made on behalf of millions of victims since the passage of the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA).
This commemorative week has been set aside since 1981 to honor crime victims and the first responders, advocates, counselors, and others who assist them in their time of need, as well as the law enforcement personnel who work to bring offenders to justice.
For each pledge made in someone’s name a dove will be released in their honor at the conclusion of the Courage Walk. We appreciate the generosity of Aphrodite’s Doves for the time and services for this year’s Dove release!
Dec 9th- 2019 - Colorado Gives Day!
With the help of police, grants and private funding, VOI has helped nearly 5,000 people this year alone, in the eight Jefferson County communities we serve.
Your donation today on Colorado Gives Day will Help us Make A Difference in the lives of people who need and deserve a helping hand.
2018 6th Annual Soirée
Thank you for a fabulous event!
Coloradians love to honor their Western Heritage. A little known fact, everyone who lives in Golden has a cowboy hat somewhere, and here's a great time to show off that dusty cowpoke chapeau!
2018 Courage Walk
This year's theme: Expand the Circle, Reach All Victims
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is being observed April 8-14, 2018. We envision the day when all victims are strengthened by the response they receive, organizations are resilient in response to challenges, and communities are able to seek collective justice and healing.
This event celebrates three decades of extraordinary progress made on behalf of millions of victims since the passage of the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA).
This commemorative week has been set aside since 1981 to honor crime victims and the first responders, advocates, counselors, and others who assist them in their time of need, as well as the law enforcement personnel who work to bring offenders to justice.
Thank you, once again, to all those whose contributions help us fund the Courage Walk, maintain the Courage Garden and support efforts to ensure victims of crime and trauma have support, information and resources that help with recovery.
Dec 4th- 2018 - Colorado Gives Day!
What does your donation support?
Fund the training, supervision and support of our incredible team of volunteers who logged 17,000+ hours last year and responded to 35% of our calls, including “middle of the night” responses.
Pay for professional advocates who serve as every victim’s bridge to the resources and information that helps them understand their rights, navigate the criminal justice process, feel safer and stronger and get the restitution they need to move on with their lives.
Update critical IT support systems used by staff and volunteers to assist victims and identify resources. Tracking who we serve and what we do is essential for reporting to funders, and none of this happens without updated, cutting edge technological systems.
2017 5th Annual Soirée
Sold out!
This year our celebration is Western Style! Cocktails and dinner, live and silent auction, and then Cowboy Dancing led by reknowned DJ Farrell Woods!
And the great news it that we raised nearly $26,000! - money that will be used to help us ensure victims of crime and trauma get the support, information and resources they need and deserve.
And thanks again to Anastasiya Bolton of 9 News/KUSA for returning as this year's Emcee.
To our many sponsors, donors and volunteers who made this happen, you deserve gratitude for your invaluable contributions. We are blessed.
2017 Courage Walk
This year's theme: Strength, Resiliance, Justice
National Crime Victims' Rights Week is being observed April 2-8, 2017. This year's theme "Strength, Resilience, Justice", reflects this vision of the future. We envision the day when all victims are strengthened by the response they receive, organizations are resilient in response to challenges, and communities are able to seek collective justice and healing. This event celebrates three decades of extraordinary progress made on behalf of millions of victims since the passage of the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA).
This commemorative week has been set aside since 1981 to honor crime victims and the first responders, advocates, counselors, and others who assist them in their time of need, as well as the law enforcement personnel who work to bring offenders to justice.
Thank you, once again, to all those whose contributions help us fund the Courage Walk, maintain the Courage Garden and support efforts to ensure victims of crime and trauma have support, information and resources that help with recovery.
Dec 5th- 2017 - Colorado Gives Day!
We Get Letters!
"This situation is so incredibly messed up but I think it has pointed us (small child) in the direction of finding healthy people to be with - something I have been trying for since he was born. I am so excited about all of this and again, I thank you so much for everything you have done. You gave me hope in a really hopeless and helpless situation. I will never be able to thank you enough for that."
2016 Making a Difference Soirée
Together, we can make a difference
Special thanks to all who made our auction such a success. And thanks again to Anastasiya Bolton of 9 News/KUSA for her sparkling presence as our Emcee, Auctioneer Gary Corbett, and cool jazz by the BB Estes Quartet
2016 Courage Walk
This year's theme: Serving Victims. Building Trust. Restoring Hope.
This year's theme: "Serving Victims, Building Trust, Restoring Hope" underscores the importance of early intervention and victim services in establishing trust with victims, which in turn begins to restore their hope for healing and recovery.
It is a call to action for advocates - meeting victims where they are. By listening to and understanding their specific needs, we can help restore victims’ hope for healing and recovery. Serving victims and building trust restores hope and strengthens communities. To ensure that those who need support the most receive it. All victims must have the ability to access services when they need them.
Thank you to all of our donors. Your contributions help us fund the Courage Walk, maintain the Courage Garden and support efforts to ensure victims of crime and trauma have support, information and resources that help with recovery.
Pledges and donations amounted to a whopping $2,690!
Dec 6th- 2016 - Colorado Gives Day!
We at VOI are so grateful for letters receive, the example below is just one of many.
2015 Making a Difference Soirée
Thank You! For making our 2015 Soirée a Tremendous Success!
Our Board Member Jay offered his shoes (at the suggestion of our auctioneer) up for auction. They brought $425! We raised just over $32,000 at this event.
2015 - United We Serve Award - VOI’s Jill Nore
Karl Mecklenburg presents the United We Serve Award to VOI’s Jill Nore
The United We Serve Award recognizes "government employees who have demonstrated sustained excellence in volunteer service leading to significant positive outcomes for their communities. These individuals must have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in recruiting, inspiring, and coordinating groups of volunteers, devoted substantial time and effort to the advancement of volunteerism, or shown a deep commitment of voluntary action to address community needs."
Jill Nore received this prestigious award for her 6 years of service as a volunteer victim advocate with Victim Outreach. Jill, we are so proud of you and of the work you have done on behalf of crime victims. Congratulations!
”
Remember everything you have faced, all the battles you have won and all the fears you have overcome
~ Deputy District Attorney Katie Kurtz, Keynote Speaker
A VOI Advocate on call with a JeffCo Police Officer
Here's a Shout-Out to VOI Volunteer Advocates!
So far this year VOI helped 5,227 people - 25% of whom were children!
It is only with the help of 20 volunteer advocates who donate over 15,000 hours annually that we are able to do this.
Of the 536 times we were called to the scene by police to assist a traumatized citizen, volunteers responded to 238 - mostly in the middle of the night.
We thank our volunteers for enabling us to provide the comprehensive 24/7 services for which we are known.
2014 - September - Making A Difference Black & White Soirée
Presented this year at the Lakewood Country Club
2014 - April - Volunteer Appreciation Month
This year we'd like to acknowledge Jill Nore, VOI Volunteer extraordinaire, for her outstanding commitment to helping crime victims for over 6 years.
This year's theme: Nothing you do for children is ever wasted
Thank you to all those who came out to support the 21st Annual Courage Walk!
This year, participants raised over $3,4000 - money that will support victim services in the First Judicial District and help with the maintenance of the "Courage Garden", a memorial garden for crime victims and Jefferson County employees.
In recognition of our theme "Nothing you do for children is ever wasted." quote by Garrison Keillor, a dragonfly birdbath was added to the Children's Garden area inside of the Courage Garden.
Channel 9 News has a great video from the event & interviewing The Ridgeway Family. Click Here.
This years doves were released in honor of these victims
Kevin Nelan
Dave Stamm,
Jessica Ridgeway,
Becky Darden,
Huy Nguyen,
Dave Noren,
Renee Cooper,
Brandie Duvall,
Peter Durbin,
Rose Moniak,
Patrick Lane,
Justina Younger,
Amber Cremeens,
Chandler Graffner,
Nadine Cruz,
Gilbert Uidana,
Sgt. Timothy Mossbrucker,
Ricky Ritter,
McKenzie Kingery,
Billy Ortiz Jr.,
Bertha Rios Lopez,
Judy Dicroco,
Shar Elder,
Coco Burns,
Stephanie & Nick,
Jo Kildow Sr.,
Jo Kildow,
Laura Florez,
Chelsea Strauss,
Steve Campbell,
Fred Meyer,
Andre Nelson,
Debra Leeway,
Sgt. Dave Baldwin,
Agt. Jim Davies
Dec 9th 2014 - Colorado Gives Day!
Fighting for Those Who Need it Most
VOI Advocates play a vital role in helping victims with next steps, like
Developing safety plans
Identifying where they might stay
Who to call for help
Many victims feel unprepared and overwhelmed by the subsequent criminal investigation, and they welcome the help of VOI Advocates. Many victims need assistance with basic needs such as shelter, transportation or food.
From the Wife of a Homicide Victim"I remember never feeling alone in my grief. I remember feeling someone’s hand on my shoulder when I thought I couldn’t possibly endure anymore."
Survivor of Domestic Violence"... and again, I thank you so much for everything you have done. You gave me hope in a really hopeless and helpless situation. I will never be able to thank you enough for that."
Dec 10th- 2013 - Colorado Gives Day!
Your donation to Victim Outreach Incorporated shines light where there was darkness, it gives calm in place of confusion, and freedom in place of fear.
"I feel gratitude for being free from the demeaning, binding, heavy weight that I felt living in an abusive relationship. I used to feel like I couldn't take another minute, I was walking on egg shells, distraught and fearful all the time. But now they are feelings of freedom, light, calm, a "YES!" feeling. A sense of thankfulness and "I did it!"
2013, Miner's Alley Fundraiser
VOI is presented It's A Wonderful Life event on December 8th, at the Miner's Alley Playhouse in Golden, Colorado.
A special thank you to Miner’s Alley Playhouse for supporting Victim Outreach through a benefit performance of “It’s a Wonderful Life, The Radio Play” on Sunday December 8th. What a festive way to ring in the holiday season in support of two local non-profits! VOI & Miners Alley.
We would also like to thank Bottles & Barrels Brewery for providing Champagne and light fare to our guests.
2013, West Chamber After Hours
VOI is hosted West Chamber After Hours event on November 7th, 5-7 at the Silver Vines Winery in Arvada.
2013, Making A Difference, Black & White Soirée
Victim Outreach (VOI) raised $21,000 to help crime victims in Jefferson County!
The “Making a Difference” Soirée, VOI’s Annual Benefit, was held Friday, October 4th at The Club at Rolling Hills. Over 130 guests, including District Attorney Pete Weir and Golden City Manager Mike Bestor, gathered to support VOI’s Mission- “To Promote the Healing of People Impacted by Crime and Trauma”.
Following a fabulous dinner, Auctioneer Gary Corbett entertained the crowd who bid generously on the live and silent auctions, and ended the evening with dancing.
2013, Viticm Outreach and Bandimere Racers Support Zonta Campaign to End Violence Against Women
Race car drivers at Bandimere Speedway join Zonta Club of Lakewood Golden in support of the ZONTA SAYS NO campaign to raise awareness concerning violence against women and girls. With the slogan “Real Men Hit the Track, Not Women and Children”, Bandimere and the racers helped spread the word recently at the track in Morrison.
A booth was set up with literature offering a menu of options available with local resources for all aspects of domestic violence and abuse.. With the assistance of Victim Outreach Incorporated (VOI) in Golden these pamphlets, titled ACT against Violence, are specific to victims themselves, those who are abusers, teen dating and anyone who knows or suspects abuse of others. Orange wristbands with the “Zonta Says No” logo imprinted on them were also distributed, with drivers and spectators proudly showing them off in support of this program.
“Zonta Says No” is a Zonta International campaign to raise awareness of, and increase actions to end, violence against women and girls around the world. This campaign began in November of 2012 with Zonta’s annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence, and will continue throughout 2013.” Because Zonta’s mission is to advance the status of women worldwide through action and advocacy, local clubs around the world are holding events such as the one at Bandimere to prevent and end violence against women and girls in their community. The color orange was selected for this campaign to demonstrate Zonta’s partnership with the United Nations and its agencies in this area. (http://zontasaysno.com)
Zonta Club of Lakewood Golden serves S. Jefferson County, including Golden, Lakewood and Littleton. The club has been active in advocating to prevent violence against women and girls since its organization in 1977. The Lakewood Golden Club was instrumental in helping to get the Colorado Legislature to ratify CEDAW a few years ago. CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women) is an international treaty that was adopted in 1979 by the UN General Assembly. Worldwide 187 out of 194 nations have ratified this treaty. The United States has not. Zonta clubs around the country are working to get their states to ratify this treaty in order to put pressure on our Congress to vote yes on CEDAW for the United States. www.zonta.orgzontadistrict12.org/lakewoodgolden.html
July, 2013 - VOI's Board of Directors welcomes Former District Attorney Scott Storey
VOI's Board of Directors welcomes Former District Attorney Scott Storey. Scott joined the Board because he “believes in what VOI does and wants to support the work” we do."
Scott Storey, Newest Board Member
and Kathy Kinnard,
VOI Board Member for 20 years
2013, VOI Awarded $20,000 Grant from the Denver Foundation
"Thank you Denver Foundation Board of Trustees for supporting VOI's mission through the Basic Human Needs Commuinity Endowment Fund and Kateryna Hul Fund of the Denver Foundation!"
2013, VOI Awarded Wheat Ridge Police Award
VOI was presented with The Wheat Ridge Police 2013 Chief's Award in recognition and appreciation of the critical victim advocacy services provided to victims of crime in the Wheat Ridge Community.
2013, April 20th - 20th Annual Courage Walk
The 20th Annual Courage Walk was held on April 20th to honor the courage and tenacity of victims of crime. Each year, VOI joins communities across the country in their annual observances of National Victims' Rights Week by promoting victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf.
The 2013 theme - "New Challenges, New Solutions” - reflects the increasingly complex mission of victim advocates today. We face emerging challenges, such as globalization, changing demographics, immigration, human trafficking, terrorism, new types of crime, and the use of technology both to commit and solve crimes. We also confront enduring challenges. Victims’ rights are not universal and often not enforced. Victims do not always receive the dignity and respect they deserve. Victims often absorb the physical, emotional, and financial costs of crime largely by themselves.
Before the kickoff by Sheriff Ted Mink at 11:00, participants enjoyed a continental breakfast, greeting old friends and making new ones and reflecting on the “Clothes Line Project” - artwork created by survivors walk. Walkers were led by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Patrol to the Courage Garden, a memorial garden located on the hillside behind the Jefferson County Courts and Administration building.
Jane Pemberton was this year’s keynote speaker. Jane recently retired from as Family Tree as the Managing Director of Victim Services, where she provided oversight and guidance to the Safe Exchange Program, Karlis Center and Women in Crisis, the local battered women’s shelter. After 35 years of working in the field of domestic violence, Jane had much to say about the accomplishments made on behalf of women and the challenges we still face.
The walk ended with the reading of names of victims who were honored and recognized as white doves were released to soar in the skies above. As always, we are greatly appreciative of Tom Loux, White Birds Unlimited for his annul donation to this event.
Newly elected District Attorney Pete Weir emceed the event. Money raised at the event (2013 over $4,300!) is used to support our work with crime victims and to maintain the Courage Garden. This year, The Loretta Simms, Master Gardener extraordinaire, added an educational notebook with history of the garden and information on the plantings and created a website for those who would like additional information. As always, we express our deep appreciation for Jefferson County Facilities Crew and the Jefferson County’s Master Gardeners for their creativity and their devotion to caring for the Garden. It's as lovely as it has ever been. Stop by!
25th Anniversary Celebration - September, 2012
Victims Outreach Information celebrated their 25th Anniversary on September 27, 2012, at the Boettcher Mansion.
In attendance were members of the law enforcement communities we serve, our dedicated volunteers, our Board members and financial supporters.
Alan Fear, VOI Board President in 1993, reminded us of our beginnings. Also pictured: Vista Exline, Executive Director, who later this evening honored the individuals who have contributed to the growth and power of victim services.
Scott Storey, First Judicial District Attorney, presented VOI with a plaque thanking VOI for 25 years of service to crime victims and for leadership in the field of victims’ rights.
2012 - 8th Annual Golf Tournament
8th annual Fairway to Fairness for Victims Golf Benefit, supported by District Attorney Scott Storey, took place on July 27, 2012, at Fossil Trace Golf Course in Golden. 118 golfers participated, helping us raise over $10,000 which will enable VOI to provide support services to victims of crime in our communities.
We want to acknowledge and thank our sponsors this year. Title Sponsor again was FirstBank; our three Silver Sponsors were Zi South, Fiore & Sons, Inc, and Arbor Occupational Medicine; and our two Bronze Sponsors were Scott Storey and the VOI Board of Directors. Thanks also to our golfers, who weathered an incredible thunderstorm, and to those who donated items for our silent and live auctions, as well as our staff, board members and other volunteers who worked to make this event a success! Fossil Trace Golf Course and Three Tomatoes Catering did an outstanding job of making sure that our golfers and guests were well taken care of.
2012, April 28th - 19th Annual Courage Walk
The 19th Annual Courage Walk was held on April 28th to honor the courage and tenacity of victims of crime. Each year, VOI joins communities across the country in their annual observances of National Victims' Rights Week by promoting victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. This year’s theme was "Extending the Vision - Reaching Every Victim”, honoring the power of victims and the victims’ rights movement to change the course of history and transform lives.
Before the kickoff at 11:00, participants enjoyed a continental breakfast, greeting old friends and making new ones, listening to the amazing voices of the One World singers and reflecting on the “Clothes Line Project” - artwork created by survivors. The walk culminated at the Courage Garden, a memorial garden located on the hillside behind the Jefferson County Courts and Administration building.
John Michael Keyes was this year’s keynote speaker. Keyes’ daughter Emily was killed in 2006 at Platte Canyon High School. He and his wife Ellen created the “I Love You Guys” foundation, in honor of Emily, to develop a student safety response protocol. Their protocol is used in over 2,000 schools nationwide. John spoke to his family’s belief that the only person to blame for his daughter’s death is the shooter, and expressed appreciation for law enforcement and the first responders.
Following the moving stories of two survivors’ experiences as crime victims under his watch, District Attorney Scott Storey was recognized with a plaque for his efforts to bring Justice for Victims during his tenure “because it’s the right thing to do”.
Eagle Scout Joel Meyers was introduced and thanked for his and his troop's recent project on refurbishing the Courage Garden’s Gazebo. He then read names of loved ones as Tom Loux, White Birds Unlimited, released doves in their honor.
Money raised at the event (2012 over $5,500!) is used to support our work with crime victims and to maintain the Courage Garden. This year, a kiosk was added to house an educational notebook with history of the garden and information on the plantings. As always, we express our deep appreciation for Jefferson County Facilities Crew and the Jefferson County’s Master Gardeners for their creativity and their devotion to caring for the Garden. It's as lovely as it has ever been. Stop by!
