Politics & Government

5th Annual 'Celebrating Life Unity Breakfast' to Focus on Human Trafficking

Breakfast is scheduled for Feb. 8 in Crystal Lake and will focus on the problem of human trafficking.

The "5th Annual Celebrating Life Unity Breakfast" will focus on the tragic reality of human trafficking, a form of modern day slavery.

The breakfast, scheduled for Feb. 8, at D'Andrea Banquets in Crystal Lake, marks the first time this issue will have been discussed at a public forum of this size in the area, according to a press release issued by Joe Edwards, president of Patriots United.

Civic leaders from throughout the suburbs, including U.S. Congressman Randy Hultgren, former Congressman Don Manzullo, and several dozen state and local elected officials, will attend the breakfast, the release states.

Several faith-based leaders and organizations also are expected to attend.

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“This year we want to do more than simply raise awareness of this heartbreaking plague on our society,” Edwards said.

“We will learn how to draw a line in the sand, working with law enforcement, legislators, clergy and citizen activists to declare our counties ‘NO Tolerance Zones’ for this despicable trade. This is one thing conservatives and progressives can agree on. Together, we can make a difference.” 

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Exploitation is at the heart of human trafficking. In the case of sex trafficking, the primary focus of this event, exploitation implies the forced prostitution or sexual abuse of vulnerable men, women and children, Edwards said.

"Sadly, our collar counties are seeing a rise in such cases," the release states.

The breakfast will feature a keynote presentation by Laila Mickelwait of Exodus Cry, an organization dedicated to eradicating sex trafficking at its root causes and addressing the societal factors that allow this modern day slavery to exist.

Attendees will learn about this devastating injustice, what it looks like and what to do if they see it. There will also be a panel discussion on how citizens can take action to stop this injustice and eliminate this victimization of women and children.

The panel will feature constructive dialog and solutions by Mickelwait, Illinois State Sen. Karen McConnaughay, and college student activist Ben Anderson.

Registration for the breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. and the program runs from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Anyone interested in attending can register by visiting www.PatriotsUnited.com.

Cost is $25 for those who register online by Feb. 5, or $30 at the door (overflow will be limited).

Source: Patriots United

 


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