Selah Freedom, a national organization committed to ending sex trafficking (and a Philanthropy Award winner), reports that Chicago ranks in the top five cities in the nation for the global epidemic.
According to the Cook County Sheriff’s office, 16,000-24,000 women and girls in Chicago become victims of sexual exploitation each year.
Sept. 15 marked the organization’s signature event, Rock the Boat Against Sex Trafficking. Aboard the Spirit of Chicago, Selah Freedom champions embarked on an unforgettable celebration dedicated to ending sex trafficking in Chicago and beyond.
The celebratory boat cruise included live music, gourmet food and champagne, a live and silent auction, stunning views of the city, and a moving speech from a survivor.
The annual event raised a record-breaking $200,000 to end sex trafficking.
This year’s Chicago boat cruise was hosted by Dina Bair, Brandon Frein, Kristina Bonesteel, Neal Lenhoff, Matthew Kunkel, Valerie Kahan, Jessica Badgely, Barbara Best, Natalie Bauer-Luce, Molly Eckols Archibald, Amy Taylor Ellis, Mindy Fauntleroy, Suzanne Karpick, April L. Oury, Carmen and Gary Ringhiser, Rita L. Smith, and Mika Stambaugh. Generous sponsors included Fourth Presbyterian Church, Trot Against Trafficking, Matthew Kunkel, Neal Lenhoff, Delta, WGN-TV, and more.
If you see something, say something! Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
Emily Stone earned a degree in journalism from Elon University in North Carolina. Along with writing, Stone has a passion for digital storytelling and photography. Her work has been published in Chicago Athlete Magazine. Stone is a supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Stone is a fluent Spanish speaker who in her free time loves a good dance class.
