Donatello’s Italian Restaurant in Carmel is hosting a fundraiser for Restored, Inc., an Indianapolis-based nonprofit that addresses human sex trafficking throughout the state.
Aasen
The event, called “Springtime in Italy: A Time for Renewal,” is a four-course wine dinner at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 24. Tickets cost $75, which includes a charitable donation but not tax or tip. They can be purchased at 9 W. Main St., Carmel or online at donatellosrestored.eventbrite.com.
Restored helps raise awareness and provide education and advocacy on the issue of human sex trafficking. In addition, victim services are offered, such as emergency housing referrals, trauma counseling, court advocacy, food and clothing, medical help and more.
“We are thankful for Donatello’s putting together such a great event for Restored,” said Jim Eibel, a Carmel resident and member of Restored’s board of directors. “We are also thankful for those who will sit down with us and enjoy an amazing dining experience while taking a stand against human trafficking.”
Hamilton County hasn’t been immune to cases of human trafficking. For instance, in 2016 authorities identified nine young girls from Hamilton County who were purchased by adults for sex. The youngest girl was 11 years old.
Nationally, 1 in 6 endangered runaways reported that they were likely sex trafficking victims, according to a 2016 report by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Globally, estimates show that 4.5 million people have been trapped in human sex trafficking, according to the International Labor Organization.
Angela Khan, a Carmel-based philanthropist and owner of Sofi B. Luxury Rentals, decided to be a paid sponsor for this event because of her own connection to this issue. She said her mother ran away from home and was caught up in the world of human sex trafficking. She said people are often surprised when she tells her story — which she only recently became comfortable sharing — but she said it’s important to raise awareness about this issue.
“Restored Inc. is an angelic group of compassionate, well-trained individuals who know how to treat victims of sex trafficking,” Khan said. “Without these kinds of organizations, girls left untreated will turn to drugs and alcohol and too often the end result is suicide. Restored educates families to know the signs so that if you do see something, you can say something and know where to go for help.”
Hamilton County Sgt. Bill Clifford, a candidate for county sheriff, also has decided to be a paid sponsor for this charity fundraiser.
“Human trafficking is a failure of humanity where the worst of society prey on the weak for a profit,” Clifford said. “Law enforcement at all levels needs to be trained to identify warning signs and cooperate fully to eliminate the problem. Those most susceptible to human trafficking need to know there are better options and seek help and protection through the government or faith-based organizations.”
Interested sponsors can contact Donatello’s co-owner Adam Aasen at adamaasen@gmail.com to sign up to support this cause.
“We are so thankful for everyone who has decided to support this important cause,” Aasen said. “I personally visited Restored’s offices and spoke to their staff and I can attest that these selfless servants are truly doing God’s work as they work tirelessly to both help victims and prevent future human trafficking cases. I just can’t say enough about the good work they do.”