Donatello’s Italian Restaurant in Carmel will host a fundraiser for Restored, Inc., an Indianapolis-based nonprofit that addresses human sex trafficking throughout the state.
The event, “Springtime in Italy: A Time for Renewal,” is a four-course wine dinner at 7 p.m. April 24. Tickets are $75, which includes a charitable donation but not tax or tip. Tickets can be purchased at 9 W. Main Street in Carmel or online at donatellosrestored.eventbrite.com.
Restored helps raise awareness and provides 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/clothing, medical help and more.
Hamilton County hasn’t been immune to cases of human trafficking. In 2016, authorities identified nine young girls from Hamilton County who were purchased by adults for sex. The youngest girl was 11.
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.
Those interested in sponsoring the event can contact Donatello’s co-owner Adam Aasen at [email protected].
“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.”
