Scholarship Fund for Jessica Ghawi, Colorado Shooting Victim, Raises $30,000

A scholarship fund was established in honor of Aurora, Colo. shooting victim Jessica Ghawi. (Courtesy Ghawi family)

By JASMINE BROWN

A scholarship fund created by the family of Jessica Ghawi, who was killed at last week's shooting at the Aurora, Colo., midnight screening of "The Dark Knight Rises," has surpassed its fundraising goal. The Indiegogo campaign, announced on Tuesday, has raised more than $30,000, far exceeding the family's goal to raise $20,000 over a 120-day period.

According to the campaign website, The Jessica Redfield Sports Journalism Scholarship fund was established "to help send another upcoming young sports talent to study journalism."

Jessica Ghawi, an aspiring sports broadcaster, moved to Denver a year ago to pursue her career. Peter Burns, a Fox Sports radio host and friend of Ghawi's, said sports reporting was her passion. "She was just one of those people that always showed up early and always wanted to be a part of it and behind the scenes," said Burns.

ABC affiliate KSAT-TV in San Antonio, where Ghawi lived before moving to Colorado, named Ghawi an honorary member of its sports department. While making the announcement KSAT sports reporter Larry Ramirez became choked up. "Her dream was to one day cover the NHL, and I'm telling you she was on her way - I have no doubt," said Ramirez. "Tonight we honor Jessie by making her an honorary member of the KSAT 12 sports team." ( Watch the KSAT tribute to Ghawi here.)

A memorial service for Ghawi is planned for Saturday morning in San Antonio.