Photo by: Katy Owens
Imagine being prostituted against your will, trapped in the sex-slave trade. Now, imagine you were freed, and then, enslaved once more.
Such was the story of Suhana, a young girl trafficked in India. Her story was made into a short 12-minute documentary, “Ray of Hope,” by International Justice Mission, shown last Saturday evening at the event Love Is, which was sponsored by Cru, Zeta Beta Tau and Delta Delta Delta.
“I didn’t know what to expect – IJM is a relatively unknown organization, and we had never helped out with something like it – but as soon as I explained everything behind the dinner, twelve of our guys volunteered right then and there,” said Sam Hodges, a senior majoring in International Studies and Spanish and on the academic chair of Zeta Beta Tau.
The involvement of Zeta Beta Tau in the benefit dinner drew members from Delta Delta Delta. According to Hodges, 12 Zeta Beta Tau brothers stepped up to volunteer immediately. Delta Delta Delta sisters sponsored the event by helping with set-up, table decorations and ticket sales.
“This was Tri Delta’s first time being involved with the IJM’s Valentines Dinner. I was initially contacted by a member of ZBT and later Kristen Medina and asked if we would like to help with this event. I was really excited and honored that Tri Delta was approached,” said Blake Dowling, a junior marketing major and the external philanthropy chair of Delta Delta Delta.
“The event was wonderful because so many people from different groups on campus came together,” said Katherine Taylor, a sophomore at DU majoring in International Studies.
Medina spoke as the guests ate their meal. Food and drinks were served by boys from Zeta Beta Tau, all sporting shirts that read, “real men don’t buy girls.”
“There are currently 27 million slaves in the world today. That means there are more slaves today than at any other time in history,” said Medina.
Her words carried through the room as she explained the enormity of modern-day slavery, the millions of humans trafficked and the billions of dollars made by traffickers and told the audience about IJM, and the work this human rights agency does around the world. With teams of investigators, lawyers and field officers, the organization fights slavery, securing justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and violent oppression.
“By the time everyone left I think they all wanted to get involved with IJM. While I cannot speak for all of the women in Tri Delta, I know I will continue to be involved with IJM and hopefully help make next year’s dinner even bigger,” said Dowling.
With 14 field offices in 10 countries, IJM has rescued over 400 victims of slavery from India alone. In the 10 years IJM has been working in India, they have arrested over 400 suspected traffickers, 33 of whom were actually convicted.
The dinner was put on in an effort to continue the fight against human trafficking, raising money for an organization that makes a difference.
“We helped out because the fight against human trafficking is such a universal cause, and it’s outrageous and can absolutely be fought with the right resources. Moreover, ZBT has a strong tradition of service and philanthropy, so it was easy to bring this event in front of the chapter and ask for help,” said Hodges.
IJM’s mission of justice was shown at Love Is by Medina’s passion and Ray of Hope. The event was successful, the room filled with a diverse group of individuals from Zeta Beta Tau, Delta Delta Delta, Cru and various others.
“The presentation and video helped to illuminate the situation of desperation and hopelessness that is the daily reality of many trafficked people, and it helped remind us what we were working for, and how immense the problem is,” said Hodges. Sometimes in our college world it’s easy to forget how desperate the lives of certain groups of people are, and that we are capable of making a difference for them. In fact, as college students we might be positioned better than anyone to help those in need.”
Every seat was filled in the candle-lit room. A lot of money was raised for IJM, and the evening was a success.
“More than a hundred people showed up and everyone was having a good time, so it was definitely a success. Serving a hundred people definitely more than we bargained for and a little stressful, but the payoff was great and everything worked out really well. We’ll definitely be around next year to help out again,” said Hodges.
The film “Ray of Hope” can be accessed on YouTube and Medina can be contacted at kmedina9211@gmail.com for anyone wishing to learn more or become involved.
