I have some promising news to share and am asking for your support in whatever way might be feasible for you or your department. Many of you may remember or have heard of our late colleague, Laura Kate Winterbottom who was a fatal victim of brutal sexual assault here in Burlington in 2005. Laura worked as a graphic designer in Champlain’s marketing department at the time. A memorial walk, Laura’s March, happens every September in her memory and to raise funds for organizations carrying out missions close to Laura’s heart and story.

The BREAKAWAY project at the Emergent Media Center is very fortunate to be one of three beneficiaries of the March through a partnership with HOPE Works (formerly the Women’s Rape Crisis Center) in Burlington. The BREAKAWAY team will work with HOPE Works to deliver the BREAKAWAY curriculum about preventing violence against women and girls to local youth through after school camps and workshops.

There are several ways we could use your support in our goal to deliver this very important experience to Burlington-area youth:

• Join the Champlain College LKW team and take a beautiful 5k walk or run along the waterfront on September 12
• Donate to the Champlain College team and/or raise funds on its behalf
• Be an ambassador – Recruit other walkers and fundraisers. Does your department want to participate? Or your friends? Could you reach out to students for participation?
• Help spread the word! Invite people to the Facebook event. Follow us and shareour posts on social media about the event and the need for this education in our community.

We understand this comes at a very busy time of year, but we also know the need is critical and we have a proven approach for true change through BREAKAWAY. As such, let’s honor Laura’s memory and help make an impact right here at home in whatever way you can.

If you can help in any of the above ways or have other ideas, please contact Jen Adrian (EMC Sr. Communications & Creative Coordinator) jadrian@champlain.edu or 651-5808.

With thanks and hope,

Sarah