Bling Bash returns to Sanibel to fight human slavery
The Second Annual Bling Bash to Smash Slavery returns to the Forever Green Shops, 2025 Periwinkle Way in Sanibel, on April 5 from 3-6 p.m.
As last year, there will be designer jewelry exhibited for sale, our “Downton Abbey to Abbey Road” previously loved jewelry to purchase, live and silent auctions at this fun event meant to raise money for Human Trafficking Awareness Partnerships Youth Prevention Programs and outreach activities.
The first “Human Trafficking Awareness Partner Award” will be awarded to Yaro Garcia, head clinician at the ACT Shelter, and president of the SW Florida Regional Human Trafficking Coalition. The coalition is the direct outgrowth of the Lee County Sheriff’s Human Trafficking Task Force which the Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva spearheaded in 2005.
Garcia has treated dozens of victims of human trafficking in Lee County and has led awareness events like the recent “Slave Free Southwest Florida” event held in January of this year which drew over 1,000 participants. She and representatives of ACT will be present for the award.
Lindy Holt of Silvery Lane Studios will be the featured jewelry designer this year and has contributed a number of pieces for the live auction.
Jean Baer, professional auctioneer, will be conducting the Live Auction which includes original jewelry by many Florida jewelry designers and stores, including Sealife Congress, Cedar Chest and resort stays at places like Gulfbreeze Cottages and Estero Point Resort. Cips Place will provide canaps.
All proceeds of the event will be used to support HTAP’s outreach and prevention programs for youth. You will receive six raffle tickets with your $20 admission contribution this year. We are still collecting previously loved jewelry to augment the 700 pieces we already have and are seeking additional donations for the live and silent auction.
For further information or to make a donation, please call 415-2635 or 292-3834 or email: nola@humantraffickingawareness.org or mail to HTAP, PO Box 1113, Sanibel, Fla., 33957.