AROUND TOWN: Safe2Tell reception celebrates $15,000 check

A junior high girl confides in her best friend that she thinks she's ugly and wants to kill herself.

Day after day a high school sophomore says he can't go to school because his stomach hurts. Truth is, he's being bullied.

A 10-year-old gets a failing grade and a schoolmate hears him threaten to bring a gun to school to get even.

Young people dealing with the angst and dangers of growing up don't have to suffer alone, worrying about being snitches or admitting their fears. They're empowered to share their secrets.

It's Safe2Tell. And it's all anonymous.

"We want to do everything in our power to help ensure there will never be another Columbine," said Susan Payne, director of the nonprofit program.

The murders at Columbine were the catalyst for the program that has received 1,261 tips from around Colorado about assaults, harassment, threats, animal cruelty, bullying, cutting, drugs, weapons and suicide threats.

When the calls come in, Safe2Tell (1-877-542-SAFE) steps forward, contacting schools or law enforcement agencies to take action.

Then they follow up. They monitor, seek counseling, set up referrals and put together intervention plans.

"No one can do this alone," said Payne, a former detective and daughter of a veteran police officer, the late Bill Thiede. "This is about education. This is about involving the community."

Part of the community she has involved in Safe2Tell, headquartered out of the Colorado State Patrol, are people in law enforcement.

Others are supporters like GH Phipps Construction Cos., which opened its offices after work Dec. 18 to unveil a $15,000 check for the program, proceeds from its Charity Golf Classic.

Hosts for the reception were Phipps Chief Executive Charlie Graft, Michael Hajek and Victoria Hatfield.

Singled out for honors were Colorado State Patrol Col. Mark Trostel, who has announced his retirement; and State Sen. John Morse and State Rep. Amy Stephens, who supported a bill to seal telephone records associated with the hotline.

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Send information about nonprofit events and fundraisers to linda.navarro@gazette.com or mail to Linda Navarro, P.O. Box 1779, Colorado Springs, 80901.