The 9th Annual Raising Hope Blue Tie Gala, hosted by The Demand Project (TDP), brought 500 guests together for an evening centered on hope, healing and purpose. Widely described as “the best gala yet,” the March 21 event served as a powerful reminder of what is possible when a community comes together in support of children.

From the moment guests arrived, a sea of blue filled the event hall at River Spirit Casino Resort, creating a striking visual of unity and shared commitment in the fight against the scourge of child trafficking and exploitation. 

One of the most memorable elements of the night was the Immersive Experience, which told the stories of three children in a way guests won’t soon forget. Using milk cartons and thoughtfully designed visuals, the exhibit underscored the vulnerability of trafficked and exploited children. Guests also encountered a clear breakdown of the cost of care, connecting those stories to the resources required to support healing at Mount Arukah.

What they did not yet know was that those stories were not just historical. They were present.

Later in the program, three adults took the stage, revealing themselves as the children featured in the experience. The moment of recognition was immediate and powerful. What followed was even more so. For one of them, it was the first time sharing her story publicly, and all three spoke with a level of honesty and courage that could be felt throughout the room. The emotion was palpable, building to a standing ovation that reflected both the weight of what had been shared and the deep respect of everyone in attendance.

Each survivor spoke not only about what they endured, but also what a place like Mount Arukah could have meant at a critical point in their lives. One shared how her story has come full circle. Today, she serves as a Respite Care provider for the girls living on campus, offering the kind of support she needed herself.

The program, emceed by News On 6 anchor Lori Fullbright, also featured powerful live music from Sarah Brown and Andy Chrisman, along with remarks from co-founder and CEO Kristin Weis and House Guardian Claire Jobe, who offered insight into the daily work of caring for survivors. TDP advocates and donors Courtney Brown and James Milhorn, also participated with a powerful spoken word and prayer. 

“It was more than a beautiful night,” Weis said. “We created a space where people could step into the reality of this issue, feel the weight of it and still find hope. People didn’t just attend an event. They encountered the mission, and that is how change begins. I want to give a special thank you to Courtney Beisly and Jamie Miller for leading the planning for this event, as well as the volunteers and staff who made their vision a reality.”

A heartfelt thank-you video for attendees featuring the girls currently living on campus, along with staff and volunteers, rounded out the evening, while a live auction invited guests to take part in the impact.

While final numbers are still being calculated, early estimates indicate the event raised approximately $300,000 to support The Demand Project’s prevention and recovery programs.

More than a fundraiser, the Raising Hope Blue Tie Gala continues to grow into something deeper for the community it serves. It is a night where stories are honored, where difficult truths are met with compassion and where hope is shared.

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