APRIL 20, 1999 - LITTLETON, COLO.
Broomfield couple campaigns to 'Erase the Hate' Ribbon sales to assist victims of Columbine High schooting By Matt Branaugh
BROOMFIELD — While many people watched in disbelief as events unfolded last week at Columbine High School, Mike Shaw of Broomfield and his fiancee, Chrissy Thomsen, were thinking of ways to forge hope out of tragedy.
They founded the nonprofit group Erase the Hate on April 21, the day after Columbine students Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold took their own lives after killing 12 students and a teacher and wounding others.
Camera Staff Writer
 Mike Shaw, 19, of Broomfield is making blue and white ribbons dedicated to Columbine High School shooting victims for his newly formed nonprofit organization, Erase the Hate (David R. Jennings) |
"We founded it in honor of Columbine High School," Shaw said. "Should anything like this happen again — God forbid — we want to be there emotionally and financially."
Shaw and Thomsen, both 19, have already started their first project to help victims, families and friends of the Littleton high school students. With the help of friends and family, they have made more than 700 ribbons in the school's colors for people to buy and wear in support of the Columbine community. The ribbons cost $1.
Shaw said all proceeds, with the exception of supply costs, will go toward Columbine High School until June 21. After that, proceeds and donations will be used to support others facing tragedy.
"It's really something to help everybody," Thomsen said.
Shaw organized Erase the Hate through the Public Service Credit Union, where he has his bank account. Individuals, groups and businesses can make donations. A legal service associated with the credit union is helping him file for the nonprofit tax-exemption identification number, Shaw said.
"It's an excellent thing. He's spearheaded the whole thing and really run with the ball," said Rich Pettis, a branch manager for the credit union. "He sat in the lobby on Saturday and took donations all day. Everyone is more than willing."
Shaw said more than $600 already has been raised.
At Shaw's apartment, the tiny dining area has been transformed into a ribbon factory. Scores of navy-and-white ribbons — "You can't find silver ribbon anywhere in this town," Shaw said — are in baskets on the kitchen table, alongside hot-glue guns.
But Shaw insists this is more than a ribbon-making effort. He and Thomsen have visions of implementing educational and prevention programs in school districts nationwide. He said discussion panels are essential at the high-school level so students can ask questions, discuss issues involving anger and address stereotypes.
"We need open forums for the community. When this happens eight times in 39 months, there's obviously a problem," Shaw said, referring to shootings in schools nationwide.
Donations to Erase the Hate may be made through the Public Service Credit Union, 80th Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard, Arvada. For information about ribbons, call (303) 466-4332.
April 28, 1999
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BACKGROUND
Full index of the shooting Reconstruction of the shooting Timeline Location the school Floorplan Weapons used
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AUDIO
'Friend of Mine' Listen to the Columbine Memorial song sung by Columbine students Jonathan and Stephen Cohen.
911 tapes
Interview with Arun Ghandi |
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PHOTOS
A Daily Camera photo essay detailed the tragedy of April 20 and the recovery and remembrance in the following weeks: photo essay
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INTERACT
In light of the shooting on April 20, should the state legislature allow people to carry concealed weapons? vote here
With the recent rise in school violence, do you feel schools are still safe? vote here
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THE INVESTIGATION
Gunmen paid for weapons, teenager claims CHS investigators focus on computers Investigators try to disprove third CHS shooter Man charged with selling handgun to child FBI investigator's son linked to case Agents creating models of Columbine Teen targeted by sheriff denies involvement in school attack Arrest in Columbine shooting Killer reportedly took Luvox antidepressant Officials no closer to arresting suspects Detectives question shooter's girlfriend Security videotapes at school may show whether gunmen had help Bombs found in cafeteria Portraits of the killers Killer's diary describes plot of hate |
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SCHOOL VIOLENCE
Violence in Georgia School violence stuns nation Teen wounds six fellow students Teens charged in alleged school attack plot Michigan teenagers charged in plot Other school shootings 1927 school bombing killed nearly 40 children Suspensions, arrests across country La. school site of another shooting Facts: Death in schools 'Blood in the School Yard', from the Cincinnati Post full series |
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REACTION
High schools' 'cult of the athlete' under scrutiny Parents of Columbine shooters sued Suit planned against parents of Columbine High shooters Columbine spurs interest in home schools Columbine healing fund raises $2.3 million Safe Night aims to curb youth violence CU frat shows support for Columbine 'Healing bear' arrives to help in Littleton Doctors: Guilt a normal reaction for survivors School security business surges Media the message? Broomfield couple campaigns to 'Erase the Hate' Clint Talbott - BVSD rejects dress code What now? Video of Clinton's Wednesday morning speech Video of Clinton's Tuesday speech
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GUNS AND LAW
GOP tinkers further with gun legislation Columbine dad lobbies Washington Group forms to back gun control Poll says two-thirds in U.S. support tougher restrictions on guns Senate passes more gun controls Columbine killers also wounded the NRA Senate rejects any new restrictions on gun-show sales Dems want special session Gun control strife House won't debate gun bill New gun laws on table Leaders scrap gun bills Guns and legislatures |
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HOW TO HELP
- The Denver Rocky Mountain News has established a drive to raise money for a memorial to the victims of the Columbine High School tragedy. Contributions may be mailed to the Columbine Memorial Fund, c/o The Jefferson Foundation, 809 Quail St., Building 1, Lakewood, CO 80215.
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