Wednesday, July 27, 2011

LA Launch: Huge Success!

AnnaLynne McCord and Somaly Mam
Hearts were filled with giving, heads filled with ideas for action at the Los Angeles Launch of PROJECT FUTURES global, the activist platform of the Somaly Mam Foundation. The funky and hip SLS Hotel Beverly Hills served as the perfect location to raise funds for the project, welcome West Coast volunteers, and encourage others to take action and give back.

Smells of paella by Jose Andres flew through the air, bright colored orchids donated by Gira caught our eyes, the sound of people chatting and creating plans of action filled our heads, hearts, and ears. With music from LA Cambodian pop band Dengue Fever, the event satisfied every sense for those in attendance.
The night began with VIP guests walking the red carpet lined with paparazzi and journalist interviewing guests. Supporters included Ashley Rickards, Guy Sebastian, Angel McCord, Ron Livingston, and Rosemarie DeWitt, among others. Shay Mitchell discussed her visit to Cambodia and her love for the survivors, and AnnaLynne McCord glowed in a skirt that was hand-woven by a survivor.

Somaly Mam
An hour into the event, the PROJECT FUTURES global PSA was shown to give attendees a little more information on how they can join the fight against modern slavery. PROJECT FUTURES global Program Director Amy Merrill and MTV Awkward actress Ashley Rickards addressed the crowd, as did Shay Mitchell and AnnaLynne McCord. Both actresses shared heart-felt stories of their involvement with SMF, and guests had tears in their eyes as AnnaLynne spoke of holding in her arms a 4 year old who had been rescued from a brothel. The speeches were capped off with Angel McCord introducing the guest of honor, Somaly Mam, who shared her sincere gratitude to guests and volunteers.
Shay Mitchell and Angel McCord
In the wake of a very dark global crises, light was shone on the SLS Hotel as guests, supporters, volunteers, and staff became aware of modern slavery and learned how they can help. They left empowered to have an impact in the lives of survivors. They learned you do not need to know the survivors to support and love them. In the words of Somaly Mam, "I may not know you, but I love you."

To learn more about PROJECT FUTURES global and how you can make a difference in the fight against human trafficking and modern slavery, please visit http://www.projectfutures.somaly.org.

All photos credit: Beverly Lindo

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