A Night in Monte Carlo Champions Human Rights, Helps Human Trafficking Survivors: When a Gala Changes Lives

What: 8th Annual Champion of Human Rights Gala

Where: Sixty Five Hundred

PC Moment: Co-chairs Ashley Anderson Smith and Nusia Sookarow’s program for the gala, themed “A Night in Monte Carlo,” proved to be as successful as it was entertaining.

With DJ LC at the turntables and auctioneer Jeff Garrett enticing more than 350 fashionable patrons with luxe packages including a weekend in Santa Fe and a stay at The Adolphus hotel, the evening raised $150,000 for Mosaic Family Services, which helps survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking.

Over dishes of tomatillo garlic chicken with queso fresco and braised short rib, guests applauded Brittany Underwood as Neiman Marcus’ Erica Foland presented her with the 2017 Champion of Human Rights Award — an honor given to a person or group with a passion for protecting human rights.

Underwood is well known as founder of the nonprofit Akola Project, a jewelry business that employs disadvantaged women across the globe.

Mosaic’s executive director Dr. Walter Nguyen also spoke to the crowd, who then heard a moving story from a human trafficking survivor expressing his gratitude for Mosaic’s counseling services, and assistance with finding a job and a place to live.

Who: Gala co-chairs Ashley Anderson Smith and Nusia Sookarow, honorary chair Susan Posnick, Walter and Angie Nguyen, Charlie and Joan Nye, Brittany Underwood, Jeff Garrett, Sheryl Crutchfield, Erica Foland, Hamilton Sneed, Hannah Hansen, Steve Kemble, Kristy and Mark Brooks, and Peter and Heidi Hazi.