Houston is a leading hub for human trafficking in the U.S.

Today, an estimated 21 million victims are trapped in modern-day slavery, and of these, 14.2 million individuals are exploited for labor, 4.5 million individuals are sexually exploited and 2.2 million individuals are exploited into forced labor.

“The Art of Stopping Human Trafficking” is a unique event uniting artists, community leaders and activists in an effort to raise awareness, procure funding and advocate for legislation that can make a difference at a critical time.

The art auction – hosted by philanthropist Curry Glassell and political consultant Jason Fuller– is scheduled for 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 25 at the Wynden, 1025 S Post Oak Ln in Houston, 77056. Tickets range from $250 to $2,500 per person.

Guests will have the opportunity to mingle with featured artists include Rania Daniel, Molly Gochman, David Graeve, Terrell James, Sharon Kopriva, Layla Love, Angelbert Metoyer, Cruz Ortiz, McKay Otto and Weihong.

Live music will provided by Kent Blazy, songwriter, singer and performer based in Nashville. He has been writing songs with his friend Garth Brooks since they met in 1989. The first song they wrote together was “If Tomorrow Never Comes.” Blazy has also written songs for Chris Young, Kenny Chesney, Jon Pardi, Randy Houser, Clay Walker, Patty Loveless and Diamond Rio.

The event will benefit Children at Risk, a Texas-based nonprofit working to improve the quality of life for children through research, public policy analysis, education, collaboration and advocacy. The nonprofit is committed to reducing the demand for commercial sex, bringing traffickers to justice, helping victims and educating the public on the realities of human trafficking.

To learn more, visit www.october252018.com or contact Eisha Khan at [email protected].