THE FORMAL LAUNCH FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC: Held on June 29th at HighView Stables, the “#MinnesotaBold Good People, Good Food, Good News Summer Celebration” announced how we can together become #MinnesotaBold. There, we learned how all can together bring positive answers to the dark issue of human trafficking. At this family-friendly event, awareness and education was shared in a positive and engaging way. Special guests were KTIS Morning Radio Show Host Andy Youso as the MC, Chanhassen Mayor, Denny Laufenburger made an official city proclamation naming it the “Day of Freedom”, Judd Freed the Director of Ramsey County Emergency Management and Homeland Security spoke of the need for education and awareness and the need for a coalition, and Chair of the 42:7 PROJECT Casey Schutrop, shared why the need for such an initiative, with fresh statistics and information. And the co-chair, Marty Schutrop, the director of WOW Ministries International, shared of the strategic four-part initiatives of the 42:7 PROJECT.  Other guest appearances were Mrs. Minnesota Stephanie Welter, star of the upcoming movie “Because of Garcia” Christopher Massoglia, as well as featuring top entertainment to celebrate. Included was a family education tent for families to learn from partnering coalition members on how to safe-guard their children, bringing awareness and education for the whole family. The safety program included education and identification- fingerprinting and a family self-defense class/demonstration.  Also, everyone  had opportunity to have family portrait photos taken, several door prizes by sponsors were awarded and a silent auction including an original commissioned acrylic painting by Christina B. Johnson called “Evidence of Responsible Action”, depicting the beauty and transformation that can come when one takes responsibility to respond to see transformation in the lives of those who are victims of human trafficking.

It was a great night for a solid launch for advocacy, awareness, education and hope.

A coalition forming; the “MinnesotaBold Thank You Event” for those on the front lines who fight, rescue, legislate, advocate, educate, and bring  awareness to the issue of human trafficking. This private dinner was a vetted event for the purpose of gathering, networking and planning in preparation of Super Bowl 52 and beyond. Special speakers were those who lead the fight.Casey as the Chair of the 42:7 PROJECT outlined four strategic initiatives which will provide a platform for the coalition.

Since the launch the 42:7 PROJECT was shared with over 1 million potential television viewers, news, potential radio listeners and an article went to over 30,000 media outlets abroad. It was only due to the unity of the 42:7 PROJECT Coalition members and the many WOW Ministries and new 42:7 PROJECT volunteers that made this possible. And new coalition members and families are joining daily. Coming together in unity is the key to push back the darkness.