Eden House’s third annual fundraiser, “An Evening in the Garden of Eden: Keeping the Promise,” raised funds for programs for women who are survivors of commercial sexual exploitation and in some cases human trafficking. Eden House provides wrap around services such as medical, psychiatric, educational, legal and job training to its residents.
Executive Director and Co-Founder Kara Van de Carr; Rabbi Alexis Berk; U.S. Attorney Kenneth Polite Jr.; Eden House Co-Founder Katherine Green; Rev. Henry Hudson; former Eden House Resident Director Clemmie Greenlee; and Eden House resident Christina Young gave presentations throughout the evening.
Guests also watched the newly released short film which focuses on the story of Clemmie Greenlee and her long time friend and fellow survivor of human trafficking, Regina Mullins. The film helped guests learn more about the horrors of human trafficking and the power of community in healing. Women in Film and Television donated their services to film and produce the video.
Food included small gourmet hors d’oeuvres and wine, and a colorful centerpiece of flowers donated by Ann Heslin and Fabulous Fêtes sat on each table.
For the first time Eden House presented a volunteer of the year award. This year the award went to volunteer psychiatrist Dr. Vivienne Hayne.
The gala raised roughly $75,000 in donations and pledges. We are thrilled about the success of the fundraiser and are excited to see that our circle of supporters has grown significantly in the last year.
EVENT AT A GLANCE
What: “An Evening in the Garden of Eden: Keeping the Promise,” benefiting Eden House
When: Wednesday, November 5
Where: Audubon Tea Room