Parents of Gabby Petito to Speak at Mending Broken Hearts With Hope Luncheon

Jim and Nichole Schmidt, the mother and stepfather of Gabby Petito, will bring a deeply personal and nationally resonant message to Southwest Florida as featured speakers at the 26th Annual Mending Broken Hearts with Hope Luncheon, hosted by The Shelter for Abused Women & Children on Friday, February 20, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton, Tiburón.

Following the tragic loss of their daughter in 2021, the Schmidts found themselves at the center of a national conversation about domestic violence, missing persons, and the warning signs that too often go unseen. Rather than retreat from public view, they chose to transform profound grief into advocacy using their voices to raise awareness, educate communities, and support families facing similar heartbreak.

Together with Joseph and Tara Petito, the Schmidts co-founded the Gabby Petito Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting domestic violence survivors and assisting families of missing loved ones. Through speaking engagements and outreach across the country, Jim and Nichole continue to emphasize prevention, compassion, and the importance of listening.

“Jim and Nichole represent extraordinary courage,” said Linda Oberhaus, CEO of The Shelter for Abused Women & Children. “Their willingness to share their story helps save lives, change perspectives, and inspire communities to take action.”

The Mending Broken Hearts with Hope Luncheon is The Shelter’s signature annual fundraising event. The event weekend also includes a two-day Designer Boutique, open to the public, featuring vendors from across the country on February 20–21, 2026.