My name is Stephanie Curtis, founder and co-director of California Cares for Columbine, and non profit outreach that is active in supporting those impacted by school violence across the country. Since the beginning of this outreach, the Ontario, CA Police Department has been of tremendous assistance. At each of our fund raisers, this agency has been present to extend their hands to us. Not only have they been supportive as a law enforcement agency, they have been active as parents and concerned citizens.  It was heartwarming to me to see our police chief, Lloyd Scharf present with his wife at our 5-Mile Walk for HOPE (Columbine). Also participating in this walk was Captain Katie Roberts and her family, along with Detective Byron Lee and family. It was wonderful to see representatives of this agency walk along side the youth of this community in and effort to reach out to a group of people in need. 

I can't tell you how special it is to have the men and women of the Ontario Police Department involved with the cause of school violence prevention.  They have gone far above and beyond the call of traditional law enforcement. The production of "Young Minds On the Edge", a video tool that has opened the door for dialogue between educators and students (with regards to the subject of school violence) shows me where their hearts are.  This agency has given freely of its time on several occasions to reach out to the public in an effort to prevent violence in our schools.  Most recently, Captain Roberts and Detective Lee presented Young Minds on the Edge at "Safe Start 2000", a 2 day seminar for educators which focused on school safety and violence prevention.  At this conference, survivors of the Thurston High School shooting of Springfield, OR and the Columbine High School shootings of Littleton, CO were able to speak during one of the hours allotted to the Ontario Police Department.  Along with these survivors were representatives of two families that have lost loved ones to school violence. Dawn Anna, who lost her daughter, Lauren Townsend at Columbine, Kristen Townsend who is Lauren's sister, and Adam Walker, whose brother Ben was killed at Thurston High. The impact these survivors and victims' families had on those working to make a difference in their own schools is incredible.  We are in the hope that The Gathering will make a lasting impression on the country, as the experiences of those who spoke at Safe Start 2000 have inspired all that attended to take action in their schools. 

I am touched that the Ontario Police Department has recognized the families' desire to gather and connect with each other with the purpose of changing the future of America's youth for the better. I am moved by their willingness to provide a venue for those who wish to speak out. This will be a special time for everyone. Please contact us if you have any questions or input regarding The Gathering. The volunteers listed below are here to be of service to the survivors and victims' families in any way possible. Thank you for your consideration in joining with those who share a common bond with you. I only wish there were not so many to invite. 

	With Love and Continued Prayer,
	Stephanie Curtis

Contacts for Victims/Families:

Stephanie Curtis (909) 986-0166
e-mail: Stephanie7524@aol.com

Charlene Butolph (541) 726-5911
e-mail: Robertab@uswest.net

Detective Byron Lee (909) 395-2746
e-mail: Firebasez@aol.com