Gabby Petito’s Stepfather to Keynote Riverview Center Fundraisers in East Dubuque and Cedar Falls

DUBUQUE, Iowa — Riverview Center has announced that Jim Schmidt, stepfather of Gabby Petito and co-founder of the Gabby Petito Foundation, will serve as the keynote speaker for two upcoming fundraising events focused on advocacy and allyship for survivors of abuse.

Schmidt will headline the Evening of Light gala on April 21 at Culbies in East Dubuque, Illinois, followed by the Breakfast of Light on April 22 at Bien VenU in Cedar Falls.

This year’s events center on how individuals can become better allies and confidants to those experiencing abuse in relationships. Since the 2021 disappearance and death of his stepdaughter, Schmidt has dedicated himself to educating others on trauma-informed care and the importance of emotional presence when supporting survivors.

Drawing from his background as a veteran firefighter, Schmidt reflects on how the instinct to act as a “protector” or “fixer” can sometimes prevent loved ones from receiving the support they truly need. By sharing his personal journey of “unlearning,” he aims to help others create safer emotional spaces for survivors within their families and communities.

“We are honored to have Jim as our keynote speaker,” said Gwen Bramlet-Hecker, executive director of Riverview Center. “His journey is one of powerful self-reflection. He challenges us to rethink some of the traditional mindsets we may have been taught and instead lead with the compassion and trust that survivors truly need.”

Bramlet-Hecker said attending or sponsoring either event helps ensure survivors in the region receive expert, compassionate care from professionals trained to meet their needs.

Both events will feature silent auctions and stories from survivors and those who work alongside them. The Evening of Light will include dinner, while the Breakfast of Light will offer a breakfast buffet and a community resource fair.

Tickets for both events are available online at riverviewcenter.org/events. Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can contact Heidi Zull, Riverview Center’s director of development and public relations, at heidiz@riverviewcenter.org or 563-557-0310.

Riverview Center is a nonprofit organization providing services to survivors of sexual and domestic violence across 14 counties in Northeast Iowa, as well as Jo Daviess and Carroll counties in Illinois. Services are free and available to all individuals, regardless of background or identity, and include 24-hour crisis hotlines, advocacy, counseling, trauma-informed therapy, and legal and medical support.