January 8, 2019
Anna Bryan
Global Hope 365 held its inaugural fundraiser tonight to launch the non-profit and connect with the community. The room was at capacity at Red O Taste of Mexico Restaurant in Newport Beach. Guests socialized and enjoyed appetizers before the vibrant presentation from Global Hope 365 founder, Rima Nashashibi, as well as local and international leaders.
The timing of the launch as auspicious. January is National Human Trafficking Awareness month and National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is observed annually on January 11. The issue is trending on social media with the hashtag #humantraffickingawarenessmonth.
Opening remarks were provided by Mark Davis, Senior Pastor at St. Mark Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach. Rima Nashashibi provided a factual yet moving presentation on the injustices faced by girls and women in Orange County, California, across the United States and the globe. Many of the guests were shocked by the statistics in Rima’s presentation. Child marriage is legal in the state of California. There have been more than 900 victims of human trafficking assisted and 250 cases prosecuted in Orange County. At times you could hear audible gasps from the guests in the audience.
Jay Short,Deputy Chief of the Newport Beach Police Department provided an overview of his Department’s cooperation with the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force. Orange County police officers are receiving training on how to identify and rescue victims of human trafficking. Through this training, officers have been able to identify victims of human trafficking at routine traffic stops. Guests were shocked to hear of human trafficking incidents occurring in the plain of day so close to home.
Radha Paudel, Director of the Radha Paudel Foundation, was a keynote speaker from Nepal. Radha’s tireless work in Nepal to educate rural families on menstrual dignity was an inspiration for Rima to form Global Hope 365. Providing funding for Radha to train additional individuals to travel and advocate for women’s health is one of Global Hope 365’s three major objectives for 2019.
The event organizers are grateful for a special appearance by Dr. Quratulain Baktheari, who has been working for the development of rural communities and girls’ education in Baluchistan, was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006, and established 2200 schools in the rural areas across Baluchistan. Dr. Baktheari is visiting Orange County from Pakistan. Guests enjoyed an inspiring video of Dr. Baktheari transformational work in Pakistan.
It is with appreciation Global Hope 365 thanks the sponsors of the event.
Angel Sponsor: $7,500: Darryl Sheetz on behalf of the Kling Family Foundation
Partner Sponsors: Abed Elabour, Nazeeh, Aranki, Diane Shammas, Hassan Essayli, South County Labor.
Sponsorship levels available at $7,500 Angel, $5,000 Savior, $2,500 Supporter, $500 Partner.
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