In 2005, Burlington resident Laura Kate Winterbottom was attacked downtown, raped and killed in a particularly brutal and shocking crime. Since then, her family and friends have honored her memory with a nonprofit that raises awareness about sexual violence, and raises funds to provide care and resources for survivors of violence.

The LKW Memorial Fund hosts an annual 5k walk/run aptly called “Laura’s March.” This year’s event starts at 10 a.m. tomorrow, September 17, at Oakledge Park in Burlington. Registration is 9-9:30 a.m. Participants can aso register, or donate money, online.

The primary beneficiaries of Laura’s March are Parallel Justice, a Burlington program that provides resources to underserved victims of violent crime; and to Vermont Works for Women‘s Dirt Divas program, which helps school-age girls build confidence, self-esteem, courage and leadership skills.

A number of businesses, including Seven Days, contribute to the success of Laura’s March. Since 2005, the LKW Memorial Fund has donated $65,000 to a variety of Vermont nonprofits. March on.

Photo from Laura’s March last year courtesy of LKW Memorial Fund.

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Pamela Polston is a contributing arts and culture writer and editor. She cofounded Seven Days in 1995 with Paula Routly and served as arts editor, associate publisher and writer. Her distinctive arts journalism earned numerous awards from the Vermont...