Imagine Freedom Logo Lg white

A Fundraising Event To Help Empower Human Trafficking Survivors

January 30, 2024 | 621 Gallery

5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Human trafficking survivors need your support now more than ever. A referral agency of the National Human Trafficking Hotline, STAC provides support to survivors of sex and labor trafficking and teaches people how to recognize, report and prevent trafficking.

Imagine Freedom 2024 Celebrated Progress and Gratitude

Imagine Freedom 2024 was a true celebration of the many members of our community dedicated to ending human trafficking in the Big Bend. We welcomed people who were new to the issue of human trafficking, as well as many familiar friends and supporters – from community leaders, non-profit agencies, faith communities, law enforcement, students, to civic organizations and artists. 

Together, we raised over $83,000 at this event and STAC’s end of year campaign to empower human trafficking survivors and provide relevant, strong, and robust community educational programs. 

One of those innovations was the unveiling of the portable mural, “From Surviving to Thriving,” by local artist and STAC Board Member, Nipa Thakkar Eason. This artwork was the centerpiece of Imagine Freedom 2024. It also launched STAC’s area-wide series of “Human Trafficking Community Conversations,” art-centered, hands-on experiences discussing both sex and labor trafficking in the six counties that STAC serves: Gadsden, Jefferson, Franklin, Wakulla, Leon, and Liberty.

Imagine Freedom 2024 was also our opportunity to recognize and honor the recipients of our 2024 Gratitude Awards. These outstanding individuals and organizations went above and beyond last year to move our mission forward and support our work. Thank you for all you do!

2024 Imagine Freedom Award Recipients:

  • Vania Aguilar, FSU Center for the Advancement of Human Rights
  • The Kearney Center 
  • Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil 
  • Kelly Otte, The Oasis Center for Women and Girls
  • United Church in Tallahassee

A very special thanks to local artist Ann Kozeliski for creating the beautiful Gratitude Award artwork. Each one was unique and truly special! Thank you also to our food sponsors, including Trader Joe’s, Food Glorious Food and Uptown Café.

From Surviving to Thriving Mural

Event Highlights

STAC 161 (1)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
6
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
19
18

January is “National Human Trafficking Prevention Month,” a dedicated time to focus on what each of us can do to stop human trafficking. Please know, your support in January and EVERY month is vital. Will you consider a recurring monthly gift? The work to empower sex and labor trafficking survivors needs YOUR help. Would you support STAC’s work? It is never too late!

Proceeds from Imagine Freedom 2024 support STAC’s Survivor Support and Engagement Fund and community programs.

If you have any questions, please contact Robin Hassler Thompson, STAC executive director, at robin@surviveandthriveadvocacy.org or 850-597-2080.

THANK YOU for supporting human trafficking survivors and those who are vulnerable in the Big Bend!