Not For Sale to Host Inaugural Celebrating
Survivors Fundraising Dinner on August 24
An Evening Honoring Survivor Voices and Advancing Community Awareness
North Canton, OH — Human trafficking is happening here, in Northeast Ohio and across the country—often hidden in plain sight. Not For Sale: One Step At A Time, a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit founded in 2018, is working to confront this reality through education, community engagement, and awareness. On Sunday, August 24, 2025, the organization will host its inaugural fundraising dinner, Celebrating Survivors, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at La Pizzaria in Canton.
Tickets are $55 per person, which includes appetizers, a family-style dinner, dessert, and beverages. Guests will also enjoy a silent auction, with items such as an autographed NFL football from Cleveland Browns star Wyatt Teller, massage and pet grooming certificates, dinner for two at the Bistro of Oakwood, overnight accommodations at Embassy Suites by Hilton, and many more. Tickets and details are available at notforsaleohio.com.
“This fundraising dinner is a natural next step in expanding our reach and deepening our impact. For the past seven years, we’ve worked to build a movement of awareness and action around human trafficking,” said Kathie Gray, President and Co-founder of Not For Sale. “We are proud to offer educational programs, community events, and prevention resources—all free of charge—thanks to the dedication of our volunteers and the generosity of our supporters.”
Not For Sale’s ability to fulfill its mission is strengthened by valued partnerships with Walsh University, local school districts, law enforcement agencies, and community and survivor support organizations. These collaborations enable the organization to reach more people, deliver impactful prevention education, and ensure a coordinated community response to human trafficking.
The event will feature the powerful stories and insights of three human trafficking survivors and advocates:
- Kwami Adoboe-Herrera, survivor-advocate and international speaker known for engaging faith communities and youth in anti-trafficking awareness and prevention.
- Michelle Soncrant Brewer, Anti-Trafficking Coordinator for Compass, serving Stark, Tuscarawas, and Carroll counties. Michelle is a survivor, speaker, and leader in connecting victims with resources and advancing prevention education.
- Teresa Merriweather, CEO of Trafficked Lives Matter Hand-In-Hand, published author, and national expert in primary prevention and survivor-led training. Her lived experience fuels her tireless work in education and policy reform.
“We are thrilled to welcome the community to our very first Celebrating Survivors dinner,” said Kimberley Graves, Board Member and Event Chair. “This evening is a celebration of resilience and a call to action. We’re deeply grateful to our sponsors, donors, and attendees who are making it possible. The funds raised will directly support our mission to educate and empower the public to recognize and prevent human trafficking.”
Proceeds from the event will fund Not For Sale’s year-round awareness efforts, including school presentations, community workshops, and public engagement initiatives. While the organization does not offer direct services to survivors, it plays a vital role in disrupting the demand through education and advocacy.
Join Not For Sale: One Step At A Time on August 24 to honor survivor voices, raise awareness, and stand together for a community committed to prevention and change.
About Not For Sale: One Step At A Time
Founded in 2018, Not For Sale: One Step At A Time is a volunteer-led nonprofit organization based in Northeast Ohio. Through educational programming, advocacy, and public awareness campaigns, the organization works to prevent human trafficking by empowering individuals and communities with knowledge and action tools. Learn more at notforsaleohio.com.
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