Spread Your Wings

Dec 2, 2010 Thu, 2010-12-02 15:27

The Bay Area hosted the first-ever west coast gala for the Somaly Mam Foundation on Thursday, November 11 at the Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos, California. The “Spread Your Wings” gala was co-chaired by Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg and Draper Fisher Jurvetson Partner Jennifer Fonstad, and they led a dedicated team of volunteers from the Bay Area. Highlights of the evening included a presentation by Somaly Mam and by her Kampong Cham Center dancers. Celebrities at the event included Ron Livingston and Angel McCord. The Fund-A-Need campaign raised over $200,000 toward supporting a shelter in Southeast Asia - two times the goal! The gala was an unprecedented success, raising over $1 million to date.

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Somaly Mam

“I’ve committed my life to fighting this horrible scourge on humanity. Seeing innocent young women and children whose lives have been forever scarred leaves no doubt that they need a champion who is willing to invest all their time and energy towards eradicating the shameful practice of human trafficking. I cannot wage this fight alone and call upon anyone who cares about the innocent victims to donate their time, money and advocacy to this important cause. Each contribution means everything to the victims and know that I will be forever grateful for those who help make such an important difference.”

Ashley Rickards

“While I was already aware of the modern-day slavery issue when I bought The Road of Lost Innocence, as to how large this sadistic industry is or how severe the violence can be, I had no idea. I admire Somaly Mam's courage in making sure that the tragedy she endured so bravely does not touch anyone else.”

Emmanuelle Chriqui

"I have known about human trafficking peripherally for some time, but it wasn't until I read 'The Road Of Lost Innocence' that I could no longer ignore this heinous crime occurring in too many places. Somaly is truly the voice of strength, courage and compassion; she has dedicated her life to rehabilitating the lives of these innocent victims, after the horrors she has lived through, she is not only astonishing but also beyond inspirational. If you have not read her story, read it, then pass it on. There is no action too small. Whatever you can give to support Somaly’s foundation, and do to bring awareness to this horrible epidemic, feel good in knowing that it will make a difference.”

Daryl Hannah

“Sexual slavery is a catastrophic crime that claims victims that are as young as 5 and doesn't discriminate according to gender. Seeing these victims moved me to tears and led me to dedicate myself to fighting this horrible crime. While I have lent my voice and countless resources to the cause, it’s imperative that we receive some vital support from others who agree that this must come to an end. Please consider contributing to Somaly’s foundation and know that every donation makes a vital difference.”

Laurie Holden

"Somaly is a modern day heroine who has turned her own horror story of victimization into one that is both profound and inspirational. She fearlessly challenges the system, raiding brothels and rescuing thousands of young women and children from evil sexual predators. She is relentless in her dedication to love and empowerment, restoring dignity to the life of each and every person she saves."

Petra Nemcova

“This horrible crime plagues humanity and claims so many victims each year. There is no easy solution – only a monumental battle fought each day by courageous heroes like Somaly Mam. Each of us can make an important difference by giving whatever amount we can afford to give. $5, $10 and $20 goes a long ways towards helping rehabilitate a victim and put them back on a track towards a more normal life. I call upon each of you to do whatever you can to help Somaly fight this important battle by giving freely of your time, money and voice”

Ron Livingston

“The sexual trafficking and slavery of children is one of those evils that most of us are either too squeamish to acknowledge, too cowardly to challenge, or too comfortable to address. Somaly Mam is none of those things. She is one of the true bonafide heroines of our time, and is making a real difference in the lives of real children. I urge each of you to give freely and generously to this very worthy cause. Every contribution helps to make a difference.”

Susan Sarandon

“Human trafficking is a vicious crime that claims so many innocent victims each year. To see young innocent children forced into a life of sexual slavery is something that is so profoundly sad that one cannot help but want to do everything in their power to put an end to this crime that is so easily ignored. I have been personally inspired by the work of Somaly Mam and I encourage anyone who can devote time and money to help Somaly continue to make a difference in this world. Please give unselfishly to this vital cause and take great pleasure in knowing that there is no more important mission that helping the victims forge a new life.”

Veronica Varekova

“When I first learned about Somaly Mam’s work I was so moved by the courage that this woman displays each day that I couldn’t help but want to be involved in helping her fight this battle. To see the young children that she’s saved from the shackles of sexual slavery is something that cannot help but bring joy to those that support her work. I encourage anyone that can to give selflessly to this very important cause and make a difference in the life of so many innocent young victims.”

Voices For Change

"My dream is that in 10 years, 90% of the Somaly Mam Foundation and shelter-partner staff will be comprised of survivors of sexual slavery.” – Somaly Mam

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