Rhonda Fields and Christine Wolfe went through every mother’s worst nightmare when Rhonda’s son Javad and Christine’s daughter Vivian were gunned down in Aurora in 2005. The two young adults were engaged to be married and Javad was to be a witness for the prosecution in a murder trial. In the aftermath, Rhonda Fields founded the Fields Foundation in her son’s honor and Christine joined her in creating the Fields Wolfe Memorial Fund. Money raised goes to scholarships for Colorado State University students—their son and daughter’s alma mater.

CSU President Amy Parsons and Rhonda Fields are part of the happy group celebrating the $10,000 donation from Sean “Ranch” Lough Foundation.

Rhonda went on to serve 17 years in both the Colorado House and Senate, advancing legislation to advocate for victims’ rights and stricter gun laws. As a new legislator in the midst of controversial measures, she received death threats and then-Governor John Hickenlooper assigned state protection for her. In January, she transitioned from the State Capitol to a commissioner role for Arapahoe County.

Award recipients U.S Sen. John Hickenlooper (left), and Jill and Michael White

 

On Saturday, July 26, supporters gathered at the Denver Botanic Gardens to honor the 20th anniversary of the Memorial Fund. During a gorgeous summer evening, guests enjoyed the gardens, mingled, donated funds and were motivated by inspiring stories of speakers and award recipients. Organic Roots Catering presented a light buffet and beverages, and Simone Ross served as program emcee.

Honorees were: Sen. John Hickenlooper, former CSU President Albert Yates, survivors-advocates Jill and Michael White and co-founder of Colorado Ceasefire Eileen McCarron. CSU scholars were on hand to share their stories, and in a surprise announcement, Rhonda Fields was moved to tears when she was honored with an award medallion for her work as a legislator and for the Memorial Fund.

Bill and award recipient Eileen McCarron

The Fields Wolfe Memorial Fund was created in memory of Javad Marshall Fields and Vivian Wolfe. Dedicated to advocating victims’ rights and strengthening witness protection programs, the organization partners with CSU to offer college scholarships to the university for deserving students. The scholarships don’t stop after a year or two. They all follow each student’s path into and through graduate studies. To learn more, go to the organization’s website: https://www.fieldswolfememorialfund.org/ as well as its page on Facebook.

Blacktie Colorado
Blacktie Colorado