Combat Human Trafficking

A Fundraiser to Raise Awareness and Combat Human Trafficking

Did you know that human trafficking – a form of modern-day slavery in which people profit from the control and exploitation of others – is at work right now in Michigan? While there are over 27 million people enslaved throughout the world, slavery is also thriving in the United States and practiced in many forms in places where you would least expect it. One of these places is the state of Michigan. Within the past 10 years, both Michigan and the United States as a whole have passed legislation to protect victims who include men, women, and children, but there is still much work to be done.

To join in the battle against human trafficking, Stonehouse Nursery and Lemon Creek Winery will be holding an event on Saturday May 11, 2013 to promote awareness about human trafficking. This event – “Planting Hope” – will not only have presentations and tables with information about human trafficking, but also incorporate the sale of plants and local products. The event will unite Michigan businesses, producers, farms and people to raise awareness and support efforts to combat the tragedy of human trafficking in our own back yard.

Proceeds from this plant sale will be given to the Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force, a non-profit organization based in the School of Criminal Justice at Michigan State University. This group runs completely on a donation-basis. The Task Force is made up of 90 different organizations and individuals throughout Michigan, from law enforcement to victim advocacy. The Task Force works in collaboration to prevent trafficking, prosecute perpetrators, and rescue and restore victims. Funds raised from the event will be used for victim support and supplies, conducting state-wide conferences for professionals and community members, and training workshops for law enforcement and victim service providers.

My daughter Leah is currently a junior at Michigan State University and is very passionate about this cause. Before she became involved with trafficking prevention initiatives at college, I had never even heard of human trafficking. It is our hope that through this event more people can become aware of this injustice so that further work can be done to combat this crime.

In order to accomplish this task, we are asking for your help. We are in need of sponsors and donations for this event. In addition to raising very much needed funds, it is our hope to raise awareness about the injustice of trafficking, and encourage others to join in taking action to prevent it.

We look forward to partnering with you as we work to PLANT HOPE here in Southwest Michigan.

Thank you for your consideration,

Patty Steinhauser
Stonehouse Nursery