Sex Trafficking Survivors Find a Safe Haven in River Oaks

What: The sixth annual Freedom To Fly Luncheon

Where: River Oaks Country Club

PC Moment: Guests in the packed ballroom could hardly believe their eyes or their ears as the diminutive, soccer mom-like Darlene Pawlick shared her painful story of becoming a sex trafficking target at age 13 and sold into prostitution on her 14th birthday.  As a survivor who was able to escape some years later when she became pregnant, she today is an advocate for survivors, an author and blogger.

It’s a cause that has clearly moved a younger wave of community involvement as the ballroom was filled with fresh faces revealing an earnest desire to support Freedom Place, a program of Arrow Child & Family Ministries, which provides a safe haven for victims of child sex trafficking. Chairs Jana Fant, Stephanie Fleck, Melissa Juneau and Melanie Luttrell and underwriting chairs Mary Patton, Mary Steen and Lyndsey Zorich were additional magnets for support.

Arrow chief relations officer Debi Tengler led the program and introduced luncheon honorees, members of the Freedom Place prayer group — Shirley Bollich, Janet Caldwell, Susan Danborn, Kathy Dearman, Martha Hunt and Kay Luther. Nikki Richnow was given the Freedom to Fly Award for her service to Freedom Place.

Who: Arrow Child & Family Ministries CEO Scott Lundy, Richard Fant, Ellen Mallay, Jane Eifler, Laurie Krohn, Rachel Regan, Judy Canion, Mary Boyd, Laura Pratt, Peggy Galanos, Maria Brown Renee Reddan, Selena Makay, Neekie Kashani, Ashley Baxter, Maya Pomroy, Tracey Hull, April McGee and Kelly Silvers.