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Atlas Free Gala Raises Over $1.5 Million to Combat Human Trafficking

On September 20, 2025, the Hyatt Regency Bellevue in Seattle became a beacon of hope as over 500 individuals gathered at the 14th Annual Freedom Gala hosted by Atlas Free. The event was centered around the theme "From Price to Priceless," emphasizing the importance of human dignity in a world where trafficking has tragically commodified lives.

During the evening, community leaders, philanthropists, and business owners passionately united to raise more than $1.5 million to support efforts against human trafficking and exploitation both in the US and globally. The figure marks a historic high for the organization, reflecting a growing commitment and awareness of this pressing issue.

Ambassador John Richmond, Atlas Free’s Chief Impact Officer and former U.S. Ambassador to Combat Trafficking, spotlighted the staggering statistics surrounding trafficking. He shared that traffickers generate an estimated $236 billion a year, a sum that exceeds the annual profits of industry giants including Disney, Walmart, and Apple. His remarks underscored the brutal reality of how human lives are devalued, likening the buying and selling of people to transactional exchanges.

Richmond emphasized the Gala wasn’t merely about the funds raised, but also a powerful message sent to both survivors and traffickers: "Tonight is not just a declaration to survivors but also a warning to those who exploit them—we are coming for you."

Jeremy Vallerand, CEO of Atlas Free, elaborated on the strides made in legal accountability. He described an encouraging trend of increased sentencing for perpetrators caught trafficking individuals. "Initially, it was small victories with minimal consequences; now we see guilty verdicts resulting in sentences of twenty years or more. Traffickers can no longer operate without fear of being caught," Vallerand asserted.

The event featured Anjali Tamang, a survivor advocate from Nepal, who was presented with the 2025 Atlas Free Equiano Award in recognition of her inspirational journey from victim to advocate. Tamang shared her powerful story, captivating the audience and highlighting resilience amidst adversity.

The theme of the night, "Price to Priceless," urged guests to envision a transformed world—one where every person is valued, protected, and has the freedom to live without fear of exploitation. The Freedom Gala served as both a celebration of the progress made and a call to action, encouraging attendees to invest fully in combating trafficking and providing pathways to healing and freedom for survivors.

Atlas Free is a driving force in the battle against human trafficking, leading a global network of over 100 organizations in more than 40 countries. Their mission encompasses not only supporting survivors but also holding traffickers accountable through policy advocacy and legal action. Notably, thanks to the concerted efforts of the Atlas Free Network, an average of eight survivors escape human trafficking every 24 hours. Since its inception, Atlas Free has impacted over one million lives and continues to strive for a world devoid of trafficking.

In closing, the success of the 14th Annual Freedom Gala stands not just as a testament to fundraising prowess, but as a potent reminder of a community ready to challenge the status quo and affirm the inherent value of every human life.

For more information about Atlas Free and its ongoing initiatives, visit Atlas Free's website or contact Makenna Hatloe at [email protected] or call 888-388-1811.