Night for Freedom Fundraiser for Human Trafficking
On August 20, 2024, the Mercy Associates and the Sisters of Mercy sponsored and participated in the Night for Freedom, a fundraising event benefiting the Little Tree Project. The Little Tree Project is a faith-based nonprofit organization committed to ending human trafficking through education, outreach, and support for survivors. The evening included a waterfront dinner in the spectacular Original Oyster House Banquet Room, desserts, wine and beer, plus speakers Detective Scaramucci, a nationally renowned law enforcement expert on human trafficking and Allana Chris, founder and executive director of the Little Tree Project. Through sponsorships, a silent auction and a raffle, the Night for Freedom Fundraising Committee, which included Mercy Associate Cecilia Mace, raised the net amount of $18,000 in funds.
Help Us See the Unseen (A Prayer read by Sr. Marilyn Graf at the Night for Freedom invocation)
“God, help us see that human trafficking affects all of us. Show us what is ours to do to increase awareness of human trafficking so that people do not become victims. Help us become more aware of how social media, poverty, homelessness, addictions, and immigration status may make children and others vulnerable to exploitation. Enlighten us on how our obsession with consumerism serves to feed the demand for cheap labor. Help us to commit to incorporate one action in our lives that will serve to stop the demand and help people not become victims of human trafficking. Help us to see the unseen and hear the cries of the captives. Amen.”
Caption: The Sisters of Mercy who attended the Night for Freedom event are pictured from left: Sr. Deborah Kennedy, Sr. Marilyn Graf and Sr. Mary Riordan, RSM.
Caption: Mercy Associates sponsored table at the Night for Freedom from left are Carolyn Flokerwitz [pre-associate], Theresa McGonagle, Tracy Gillespie [pre-associate], Cecilia Mace, John Doll, Nancy McKenna, Nancy Raia [presenting artist], Sr. Marilyn [standing] and Mary Kay Polys. Not Pictured are Zippy Doll [who attended but was missing at the time this photo was taken] and Patrick Bolton, who purchased a ticket but was unable to attend.