The University of Toledo’s Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute and the Lucas County Human Trafficking Coalition are teaming up to host a fundraiser, “Give True Freedom This Independence Day,” to benefit programs that support victims of human trafficking.

“There are more than 40 million human trafficking victims estimated around the world,” said Dr. Celia Williamson, Distinguished University Professor of social work and director of the UToledo Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute. “This Fourth of July is Independence Day in the United States, the day we come together to celebrate our freedom. But there are many in our community who don’t have freedom. They are being controlled, abused, battered and sold. It’s time for us to tell the story of what is happening to them and do something about it.”

The event is from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 2, at TolHouse, located at 1447 N. Summit St.

Tickets are $25 for the event that features a silent auction, cash bar and appetizers.

Money raised will enable the organizations to continue the work of identifying and providing comprehensive health and social services that help survivors.

“We will host a community call to action to raise awareness and bring what is happening in the darkness and behind closed doors to light,” Williamson said. “We will also highlight the work being done in the community.”

Together, the UToledo Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute and the Lucas County Human Trafficking Coalition have served hundreds of local survivors.

For more information about the event, visit the Lucas County Human Trafficking Coalition website.