|
|
Dear Supporters,
As I sit here on a sunny Friday in the Bridge to Freedom Foundation (BTFF) office I realize how quickly the Fall season is starting to go by. Myself and all the BTFF volunteers have been extremely busy this month as we prepare for both the DC Stop Modern Slavery Walk and the Capital City Ball, both of which we benefiting from as an NGO partner.
While all of these events seem fun, and they are, they are also a lot of work for a small team working in their spare time. Therefore I want to take a moment to ask you to join me in thanking our volunteers who are the ones committed to seeing that we move into the next year a bigger and better organization. It is thanks to these events, our amazing supporters and our volunteers that we are able to lay down the foundation that will allow us to greatly expand our capacity and program development.
Therefore I hope you will join us at the DC Stop Modern Slavery Walk and the Capital City Ball and help see that BTFF to share our message, expand our reach, and to transition from an entirely volunteer-based organization to that of one with a funded core staff. If you cannot join us at one of these amazing events then please spread the word.
 Thank you for your support,
Cassandra Clifford
Executive Director and Founder
|
| BTFF NEWS |
|
Bridge the Gap Happy Hour at L2
 BTFF was delighted at the great turn out for our private kickoff happy hour fundraiser, Bridge the Gap, hosted by the 2011 Capital City Ball
at L2 in Georgetown.
Thank you so much to everyone that came out in support, not only did we have a fantastic time, but we raised our largest amount to date at a happy hour event. See the great photos from the event by the Ball here and BTFF here.
|
| UPCOMING EVENTS |
|
Midfulness, Martial Arts and Human Trafficking - 9 October
 Bridge to Freedom Foundation is honored that our sponsors at First Defense Martial Arts will be hosting a Mindfulness Workshop for which all proceeds will go to benefit BTFF. Mindfulness practices improve physical health and emotional well-being. This two-hour introductory workshop is the opening for possibility in all aspects of life (work, family, personal, physical).Learn more from Tammy Yard-McCracken, Psy.D., LPC, A-CHT who is facilitating the workshop on her BTFF blog post, Mindfulness, Martial Arts and Human Trafficking here.
Time: 10am-12pm Location: First Defense Martial Arts, 291 Sunset Park Dr.
Herndon, VA 20170 Cost: $10 donation to BTFF 2011 DC Stop Modern Slavery Walk - 22 October
Were just 2 weeks away from the third annual DC Stop Modern Slavery Walk, which has become the largest anti-human trafficking event in Washington DC, includes a 5K walk, anti-trafficking resource fair, luminary speakers, and incredible musical performances. BTFF earns eighty-five percent of funds and sponsorship raised by our team., so please show your support by making a donation or registering to be a part of our team! The best news is that you don't have to be in DC and walk to help, you can support BTFF and the walk with your own fundraiser page. If your company is interested in sponsoring the entire wall then please mention BTFF with your sponsorship to ensure 85% goes to BTFF or contact us at info@btff.org!
Date: Saturday, October 22, 2011
Time: 8am-1pm Location: National Mall - Constitution Gardens
2011 Capital City Ball - 19 November
 We are delighted and honored to be one of this years anti-trafficking non-profit benefactors for the 2011 Capital City Ball. We hope you'll join BTFF and our non-profit partners Courtney's House, WEAVE - Women Empowered Against Violence, and H.I.P.S. on November 19, 2011. BTFF is seeking both silent auction items and sponsorship, contact us at info@btff.ort if you would like to be involved further. Tickets are on sale now!
- Angel ticket ($250) includes: 1 ticket to the ball, valet parking, access to sponsor lounge area, admission to the after party, and a $125 tax deduction for which $125 is directly donated to BTFF, so please note BTFF when you purc
- Advocate ticket ($125) includes 1 ticket to ball and valet parking
Date: Saturday, November 19, 2011 Time: 8pm-1am Location: The Washington Club at 15 Dupont Circle, Washington, DC 20036
|
| MODERN DAY SLAVERY NEWS | | |
New Bill in Congress Seeks to Make US Firms Take Steps Against Modern-day Slavery
The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act, created by Congress 10 years ago, ensures that the U.S. will remain a world leader in combating slavery. It directs authorities to raid brothels and sweatshops, freeing slaves and prosecuting slaveholders. It enables rescue shelters and rehabilitation programs to operate, inside the U.S. and overseas.
This landmark anti-slavery initiative expires soon and must be renewed. Fifteen senators are now officially sponsoring the TVPA, which now needs to be passed in the House of Representatives. Any delay could jeopardize the remarkable progress the U.S. has made.
To help get the bill passed, you can call or e-mail your U.S. representative and urge them to support the TVPA (H.R.2830) by going to their respective websites and saying or emailing:
"My name is ___ and I live in your district. I'm calling to ask the congressman/congresswoman to co-sponsor H.R.2830, the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA). I also want to ask him/her to strengthen the act, by requiring major companies to disclose on their websites and in annual reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission what they're doing to end trafficking and slavery. The congressman/congresswoman can do this by including provisions of H.R.2759, the Business Transparency on Slavery and Trafficking Act, into the TVPRA."
This critical legislation is pending right now. Your voice could make the difference in ensuring the U.S. continues to fight trafficking and slavery. Your
|
|
