Ignite Hope: Join North Star Initiative for the 8th Annual Light The Way Gala
Gather at The Star Barn on October 1 for an inspiring evening of music, auctions, and survivor stories dedicated to ending trafficking.
On Thursday, October 1, North Star Initiative invites you to gather at the historic Star Barn for their 8th Annual Light The Way Gala—an inspiring evening dedicated to restoring lives and taking a united stance against human trafficking.
As North Star Initiative’s largest annual fundraiser, this night fuels the organization’s life-changing work. Since 2017, North Star Initiative is a 100% community-funded organization that has operated the region’s only residential recovery program for female survivors of sex trafficking. By providing comprehensive therapy, safe shelter, healthcare, workforce training, and essential supplies, they empower survivors as they heal and step into the independent futures they deserve.
Empowering Futures: The Florissant Collective
A key piece of the survivors’ journey is Florissant Collective, North Star Initiative’s social enterprise. Florissant offers survivors a safe space to gain hands-on job readiness skills, build financial independence, and create handcrafted products such as wax sachets, candles, melts, and apparel. The name Florissant, meaning “to bloom or flourish,” reflects the heart of the enterprise: walking alongside women as they rediscover their strengths, refine their talents, and flourish in work and life.
What to Expect at the Gala
This year’s gala promises to be an uplifting night of fellowship, purpose, and celebration. Attendees will enjoy live music and stations of small plates catered by 2 P’s Curated Co. The evening features both silent and live auctions packed with exciting packages, local dining deals, services, and unique experiences donated by businesses in the area. Attendees will also have the opportunity to bid on a custom art piece created specifically for the gala by local artist Ashley Benedict.
The highlight of the evening will be the powerful stories shared from the stage. Guests can expect to hear from keynote speaker Tanya Gould, an internationally recognized leader in anti-trafficking advocacy, as well as a courageous trafficking survivor who will share her personal journey of healing and triumph.
The energy behind this movement extends beyond the event itself. Light the Way supporter and gala attendee, Claire Chivington, shares:
“Having a voice is one of the greatest gifts we have been given, yet many women are unable to use theirs. Light the Way is a night where our voices, gathered together in support of those who have been silenced, have the opportunity to unite and make a difference. I am passionate about partnering with North Star Initiative because I have seen how this event changes not only the lives of attendees, but survivors who deserve to be heard.”
How You Can Get Involved
There are so many ways to stand alongside survivors! Tickets for the Light The Way Gala are on sale now for $75. Local businesses can also contribute by donating items or experiences for the auctions. North Star also welcomes volunteers for roles ranging from baking, organizing, and painting to helping out at community events. Whatever your unique talents or passions may be, there is a place for you to make a difference. Visit northstarinitiative.org today to secure your tickets, donate an auction item, or submit a volunteer application.
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