Love wins.Always.
Thirteen lives. Seventy wounded. Eighty-three cranes rising over Aurora — and not one of them flies alone.
On July 20, 2012, during a midnight movie screening in Aurora, 13 lives were taken and 70 people were injured.
The impact of that night reached far beyond the theater — survivors and their families, people who were there and were not physically hurt, theater staff, first responders, and the wider Aurora community.
The 7/20 Memorial Foundation is led by families of those we lost, survivors, people who were there, and members of the community who have carried this work forward alongside us.
In the days and years since, people have come together in support of one another. Healing has not looked the same for any two of us, and it has not moved in a straight line.
Today we support communities across the nation impacted by mass tragedy. Through outreach like the Paper Crane Peace Project and the Survivors of Tragedy Outreach Program (S.T.O.P.), we provide connection and guidance, and advocate for the long-term healing of survivors.
The memorial is built. The work continues.
We carry these names
- Jonathan Thomas Blunk
- A.J. Boik
- Jesse Childress
- Gordon W. Cowden
- Jessica Nicole Ghawi
- John T. Larimer
- Matthew Robert McQuinn
- Micayla Medek
- Veronica Moser-Sullivan and Baby Toews Moser
- Alex Sullivan
- Alex Teves
- Rebecca Ann Hernandez Wingo
Their stories guide the work we continue to do today.
Our Continued Work
The memorial is built. What comes next is made by many hands — some in Aurora, some a world away.
Paper Crane Peace Project
Cranes folded with messages of love, woven into wreaths, and sent to communities in the aftermath of tragedy. People from 47 countries have contributed.
See where they've flown →
Day of Resilience
Every July, our community gathers at the Ascentiate memorial for a morning of remembrance, art, music, and wellness — a 5K, chalk artists, yoga, and a place for everyone.
See what's planned →
Paper Crane Peace Makers
A Saturday gathering at Milly's Community Café. Fold cranes, connect with community, and be part of the mission. Every Saturday, 11 AM – 1 PM.
Come fold with us →What's Happening
Some of this repeats every year. Some of it repeats every Saturday. All of it is open to you, in whatever way works.
The Midnight Vigil
On the night we can never forget, we gather quietly at the memorial to hold the thirteen in light. There is no program and no registration. Come, stand with us, and remember.
7/20 Day of Resilience
A morning of wellness, connection, and healing through the arts at the Aurora Water-Wise Garden — the Hero's Journey 5K, live chalk artists, yoga in the garden, live music, food, and a dedicated sober space. Exact date and 5K registration coming soon.
See what's planned →Cranes, Coffee & Community
Fold cranes, work on peace projects, and spend time together at Milly's Community Café. No experience needed — we'll teach you. All are welcome.
Come fold with us →Be Part of the Healing
The 7/20 Memorial Foundation is sustained by people who believe love is stronger than hate. Your support helps us gather in honor and healing, send paper crane wreaths to communities navigating tragedy, and extend compassion through connection and shared experience.
100% of every gift goes to the mission.
Verified 501(c)(3) · tax receipts provided.