While attending the University of Colorado
in 1999-2000, Katie became the first woman to make the football team, as well
as being the first woman ever to dress for a national bowl game (Insight.com)
vs. Boston College.
In 2004, Katie spoke out publically
about the sexual harassment and rape she endured while at the University of Colorado. n.
Katie Hnida made
history by becoming the first female kicker to score in Division 1 college
football, and again when she came forward
with explosive allegations that she was raped by a fellow player at the
University of Colorado and sexually harassed by other teammates.
This is when
the story truly began. Katie was physically and emotionally devastated. She
left the university and began climbing her way back to who she was and what she
wanted. She learns to speak about what happened to her and to push through
harrowing flashbacks of the violence. The very thing that drew her into the
darkest days of her life ultimately saved her: football. She sent 80 kicking
tapes to 80 Division I schools and was invited to visit several top football
programs. But it was the blue-collar, no-nonsense team that won her trust: the
University of New Mexico Lobos.On August 30, 2003, Katie kicked two extra points vs. Texas State
to become the first woman in NCAA history to score in a Division I game. Her
shoes and uniform are in the College Football Hall of Fame. And most importantly, her teammates were teammates, supporting and
encouraging her to reach her goal. Katie is now playing for the Colorado Cobras
- a semi-pro football team based in Colorado.
Katie transferred to the University of New Mexico where she played three
seasons for the Lobos. 
Brave Bold & Beautiful is a celebration of survivors of sexual assault and of those that have donated their time and resources to help MESA continue to serve individuals and families in Boulder County. This year the annual event will be held in an airplane hangar at the Boulder Municipal Airport. In addition to honoring Katie, Brave Bold & Beautiful will recognize the efforts of Longmont Chief of Police Michael Butler. Butler is being recognized for his efforts to increase awareness about violence against women in Longmont.
Brave Bold &
Beautiful will also recognize some of the individuals that have provided
critical support to Moving to End Sexual Assault including the Red
Empress Foundation; Lucy, the store for active women; Estey Printing.
With the support of these donors, MESA can focus on the overall goals
of the organization to increase knowledge, enhance skills, and affect
attitudes about sexual violence in order to reduce its occurrence and
help sexual assault surivivors heal.
Although met with some resistance from local authorities when the organization started in 1972, the Boulder County Rape Crisis Team was determined to move forward and provide critical services to sexual assault survivors and their families. MESA has been responding to the needs of sexual assault survivors for 36 years. Trained volunteer counselors staff a 24-hour hotline to provide information to both survivors and their loved ones about medical needs, reporting options, counseling and other available services in the community. Moving to End Sexual Assault expanded the focus of the organization to not only provide critical intervention services but also to implement cutting edge prevention education programs.
Sponsors of this event include Boulder Municipal Airport, Journeys Aviation, Sage & Savory Catering, Boulder Beer, Izze, Mou Co Cheese, and Boulder Sausage.
Event Information:
Friday, October 24, 2008
6:30 - 10:30 pm
Terminal Building, Boulder Municipal Airport
3335 Airport Rd
Boulder, Colorado
Tickets: $20 - $40
Ticket can be purchased:
Online:www.movingtoendsexualassault.org
Phone: 303-443-0400
Tickets can be purchased at the door on Friday, October 24, 2008
Katie Hnida will do interviews. Please call Deirdre Moynihan at 303-443-0400
.
