Hope Against Trafficking 5th Annual Kentucky Derby Gala

Hope Against Trafficking 5th Annual Kentucky Derby Gala directly supports survivors of human trafficking in the Hope’s residential program and community awareness and education initiatives. The 5th Annual Kentucky Derby Gala • Saturday, May 2, 2026 • Great Oaks Country Club at 777 Great Oaks Boulevard Rochester, MI 48307 • VIP attendees arrive at 3:30 p.m. and the other guests at 4:30 p.m. The evening details: • VIP guests will receive special access to an exclusive tasting room, invited to a VIP reception and receive a memorable gift. • Hear a powerful survivor story, offering a glimpse into the reality of trafficking—and the hope of restoration. • Enjoy Derby favorites created by an Executive Chef • Watch the Derby from multiple TV viewing stations and try your luck at a betting booth • Silent & live auctions, raffles where every item tells a story and each bid changes lives. • Sponsor event and/or purchase tickets: https://www.hopeagainsttrafficking.org/hope-kentucky-derby-gala “When women escape unimaginable trauma with nowhere safe to land, Hope Against Trafficking is ready to step in and help. Our holistic program offers long-term residential care, trauma-informed therapy, medical and legal support, job readiness, and a safe home where healing finally begins; all at no cost to them,” said Michele Isbister, executive director, Hope Against Trafficking. “This event is a great opportunity for the public to truly impact and transform lives.” Hope Against Trafficking buys and restores homes to provide long-term, safe housing for survivors of human trafficking. Hope’s four pillars are the foundation of its work with the most vulnerable in society. They lead survivors to safety, stability, and independence – the foundation of real transformation. 1 - Safe Housing; A place where she is believed and protected. 2 - Comprehensive Program; Support for her mind, her heart, and her identity. 3 - Social Enterprise; A space where confidence and skills grow. 4 - Education and Awareness; A commitment to protect the next generation. Housing: In 2024, 585 new survivors were identified in Michigan, according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline and the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission. And not every trafficking victim is reported. For every 100 survivors, only one safe house bed is currently available across the U.S. Many are recruited by someone they trusted. Most never escape. And for the few who do... the battle to rebuild their lives is long, complex, and lonely. Program: Only a few holistic programs exist in Michigan that meet the physical, mental, spiritual, education and financial needs of adult female survivors. Hope is the largest and most comprehensive program that helps survivors recover, restore and rebuild their lives. Social Enterprise: Thriving beyond survival requires dedicated coaching in life and job skills to prepare and empower residents for long-term success. Hope’s social enterprise provides survivors with valuable job skills, income-generating opportunities and self-confidence. Education: Modern day slavery is one of the few issues our society can stop. Hope’s outreach events build awareness and prevention through community education. Hope’s long-term goal is to reach all of Michigan’s 1.7 million K-12 school children and their educators with Hope’s annual Child Safety Matters curriculum so they can learn how to be safe, both on and offline. About Hope Against Trafficking Hope Against Trafficking’s mission is to create a safe place with restorative programming for survivors. Hope understands the needs of trafficking survivors struggling with trauma and is passionate about the need for our community to prevent trafficking. If you or someone you know has been trafficked and needs help, please complete the residential intake form available at www.hopeagainsttrafficking.org.

Event Links

Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3615666-0

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