Hope Against Trafficking goes hybrid this Saturday

A Pontiac-based nonprofit group dedicated to helping victims of human trafficking is holding its annual fundraising gala as a hybrid in-person and virtual event this Saturday evening.

Hope Against Trafficking’s Moonlight Masquerade, which raises funds for local projects to support trafficking victims, will include live and silent auctions to be livestreamed from the Robert Kidd Gallery in Birmingham and Indianwood Country Club in Lake Orion. The event starts at 8 p.m. Featured speakers will be the FBI’s Supervisory Special Agent Michael R. Glennon and Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, who will debunk myths about human trafficking, provide statistics and examples, and talk about what it looks like in Michigan.

Auction items include a women’s Shinola watch, electric bike, picture from Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler’s collection donated by the Robert Kidd Gallery and more. Entertainment will be provided by Accent Pontiac.

There is also a ‘ Fund A Need’ event, which will help support Hope Against Trafficking’s mission and opportunities to sponsor key projects. These include the Huron Project’s teardown and rebuild of its headquarters building, expanding programming, and the Murphy Project’s renovation of a historic apartment complex housing human trafficking survivors.

Hope Against Trafficking is a not for profit 501(c)3 whosemission is to transformthe lives of those directly impacted by human trafficking. It offers a 24-month residential program providing restorative housing and professional services that address physical, emotional, mental and economic needs.