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RANDY TRAVIS AND CHILDREN AT RISK SAY NO
TO HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Event Raises Over $300,000 to Combat
Child Trafficking
HOUSTON (June 15, 2010)
– Chaired by Dr. Carolyn Farb, hc, Stand Up for Houston’s
Children with Randy Travis, a benefit for non-profit
CHILDREN AT RISK, was a resounding success. The
record-breaking event, held on Friday, June 11th
at the Verizon Wireless Theater, raised more than $300,000,
as well as created awareness of the major issue of child
trafficking in Houston.
President George H. Bush and Barbara Bush were honorary
chairs of the event. All proceeds will benefit
CHILDREN AT RISK’s Center to End the Trafficking and
Exploitation of Children,
an action-based institute that works to generate solutions
to this crisis through policy, advocacy, education, and
collaboration.
Houston has become a major hub of human trafficking within
the United States, and CHILDREN AT RISK is at the forefront
of the advocacy efforts to combat this growing illegal
industry.
CHILDREN AT RISK honored United States Congressman Ted Poe
with the CHILDREN AT RISK Founders Award for his advocacy
and legislation on behalf of child trafficking victims.
After taking office in 2005, Congressman Poe established the
bipartisan Victims Rights Caucus, and he has since played a
central role in the passing of the Child Predator Act and
other groundbreaking legislation that safeguards our
children. The congressman was accompanied by his wife,
Carol, and his parents Virgil and Doris.
A crowd of more than 750 guests filled the Verizon Theater,
which was decorated with vases of sunflowers and a mixture
of coral and yellow flowers, and taupe, blue and gold table
overlays in celebration of our country western theme. Grammy
award winning artist Randy Travis had guests dancing in the
aisles as he played his many top hits and old favorites,
including “Forever and Ever Amen.
Mercedes Benz, the major sponsor, provided guests with
elegant gift bags. And, an exquisite chocolate delight from
Araya Artisan Chocolates was at every place setting. Guests
were also feted by the amazing three course dinner created
by Michael Cordua of Cordua Catering which included an
expertly prepared steak and salmon entrée, and the
indulgently rich tres leches cake.
A fast-paced live auction brought in $30,000 with such
show-stopping items as a luxury vacation for two to London,
complete with air transportation provided by Continental
Airlines – won by John Leggett and his wife. Sallymoon Benz
and Dr. Alan Bentz had the winning bid for the beautiful
Starry Night work by Andreas Nottesbaum, donated by Colton
and Farb Gallery. The showstopper, TexAnna, a stunning shoe
sculpture made from wood, leather and barbwire, by
distinguished Houston woodworking artist Omar Perez, went to
art collector Rowena Young.
Other faces in the crowd included emcee
Bob Boudreaux and date Margaret Alkek Williams, incoming
CHILDREN AT RISK Board Chair David Roylance and wife
Deborah, current Board Chair Bob Zincke and his wife Janet,
Denver Pioneers hockey player J.P. Testiwuide and Carley
Smith, Jason and Allison Spencer, Alex and Frankie
Coscarelli of Mercedes Benz, Meagan Sutton-Reed and her
husband
Chris Reed, John Schwartz of
Texas Children’s Hospital, John and Tiffany Hopper of El
Paso Corporation, and Gina and Dr. Devinder Bhatia.
About CHILDREN AT RISK
CHILDREN AT RISK believes that every child has the right to
a safe, stable home in which to grow; sufficient shelter,
food and medical care; and adequate opportunity for social,
emotional and intellectual growth. The focus of CHILDREN AT
RISK is to ensure children’s needs come first and that ample
resources are available for children and their families.
For more information or for interview opportunities, please
contact Rashena Lindsay at 713-301-4577.
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