Photography by Tammy Maltese
Sugar Studios was the amazing location for the July 23rd fundraiser produced by Vernard Goud of LuvNGrace Entertainment. The evening was a charitable event for Fashion Hope whose goal is to fight human trafficking. After drug dealing, human trafficking is tied with the illegal arms industry as the second largest criminal industry in the world today. It is also the fastest growing. In Canada it is estimated at between $120 million to $400 million per year – more than Google Nike and Starbucks combined and accounts for approximately 8,000 to 16,000 of the people arriving in Canada per year illegally.
On entering, we were all treated to champagne and other beverages provided by House of Mix while DJ Chris Strebly kept the music flowing. Lancome was there offering free make-up make overs and Luxe Beauty Lounge thrilled guests with free hand massages. The evening was also the first gallery showing by photographer Sascha Mazzucco – a rising talent in the industry. Mother Lisa Marie Mazzucoo – an established make-up artist and photographer in her own right was on hand to support the evening's goals and father Raphael Mazzucco - an internationally recognized fashion photographer and artist - although not able to be here in person offered a special 60″ by 80″ art piece painted for Fashion Hope to be auctioned off. A silent auction was also central to the evening's fund raising efforts with items donated by Leone Fashion, Danier, Malene Grotrian, Lav &Kush, Jaqueline Conoir, Blushing Boutique and Bun with all proceeds going to Fashion Hope.
Designer Carola Alder of Bun stepped easily in the role of emcee as she introduced us to why were were all here and what was to come. Three speakers then shared their thoughts with us: MP Joy Smith talked about human trafficking and how she took it up as a cause; Miss Canada Tara Teng spoke passionately about being a part of the solution; and human trafficking survivor Natasha Falle brought tears to many eyes as she shared how she was recruited, the violence she lived with on a daily basis and how those enslaved are controlled. Most surprising was the age many entered the industry – often at the tender age of only 12 to 14. The evening was a hands-down success in every way.
Note - Fashion Hope selects anti-trafficking organizations around the world that are working to help those who are hurting and in need of compassion, in order to come alongside their work. Kudos to Fashion Hope as it strives to build awareness, raise funds for rescue/rehabilitate and strives to get resources into the hands of frontline workers. For more information go to www.fashionhope.org.
For information on upcoming LuvNGrace events go to http://www.luvngraceaffair.com/.
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