Color Their World Banquet 2015
September 28, 2015Attendees enjoyed Eastern European Matryoshka Dolls, Disney and Duck Dynasty in the silent and live auctions at the 5th annual Color Their World banquet September 27. The silent auction, which ran during the first hour of the event, included a large array of items such as various Eastern European Dolls, restaurant and entertainment gift cards, and pieces signed by various sports legends and artists. The live auction was a big hit, boasting items such as a signed Duck Dynasty poster, various signed Disney posters, golf packages, a trip for four to Disney, and a 3-night New Year's Eve trip with a stay at the Sheraton in New York City's Times Square. Allies thanks all of the donors for this year's incredible auction items.
The banquet began with a warm welcome by Dr. Tatiana Baeva, Director of International Affairs for Allies. Executive Director Chris Burgin then introduced the Allies team, volunteers, and a number of special guests at the banquet, including University of Texas at Arlington's Ladies basketball team, which plans to lead a summer camp in Eastern Europe for Allies in 2016.
Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner, followed by the live auction and an update by Chris on the large growth in Allies orphanages in 2014 and 2015 and the additional opportunities in Eastern Europe for 2016. One of Allies' goals for 2016 is to help prevent orphans in Moldova and Romania from getting ensnared in the ever-increasing problem of human trafficking in Europe – which enslaves millions against their will in forced labor and prostitution – including children as young as 14. The small country of Moldova has a history of problems with human trafficking and prostitution and contains at least 20 orphanages that Allies hopes to be partnering with by the end of 2016, with the help of local university students, international volunteer coordinators, the local church and the increased support of donors.
Allies will be talking more about human trafficking in 2016 and its strategy to help keep these orphans safe from this offense known as a "crime against humanity."
