UNITAS Hosts 5th Annual Star-Studded Gala Raising $1 Million To Disrupt Human Trafficking And Support Survivors
Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for UNITAS
UNITAS, the award-winning, international organization dedicated to preventing human trafficking and supporting survivors, held its highly anticipated star-studded 5th annual gala at New York’s Cipriani South Street and SHEER had special access to the night’s festivities. Hosted by Emmy Award Winning News Anchor Sade Baderinwa, the event raised $1 Million to further prevention education for youth, provide training for school staff and community stakeholders, disrupt human trafficking, and support survivors through therapeutic intensives, retreats, mentorship, and housing.
Highlights of the night included a dynamic performance from multi-platinum singer Natasha Bedingfield, who performed a cover of Prince’s classic Purple Rain and the Grammy nominated “Unwritten” and an art auction featuring works from artists including Peter Tunney, Ukrainian Lina Condes, and Sofia Zubi.
Lieutenant Amy Capogna shared a window into the ongoing mission of NYC’s Citywide Human Trafficking Squad and social entrepreneur/activist Yehudit Zicklin-Sidikman gave an inspiring look at the wide ranging and pioneering efforts in violence prevention education and Empowerment Self-Defense.
Check out more videos and photos of special guests like Angela Simmons, models Melodie Monrose, Cora Emmanuel, and Ubah Hassan from the eventful and impactful evening below.
Emmy Award Winning News Anchor Sade Baderinwa (SHEER exclusive video)
Photos by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for UNITAS
Angela Simmons (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for UNITAS)
Grammy Nominated Musician Natasha Bedingfield (SHEER exclusive video)
Former Miss Universe Ariadna Gutiérrez-Arévalo (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for UNITAS)
Photos by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for UNITAS
“Responding to human trafficking and exploitation requires a collective response comparable in size to that of the issue itself.”
Tonya Turner (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for UNITAS)
More stunning guests from the 5th Annual UNITAS Gala strut the red carpet at Casa Cipriani in NYC. Photos below by Soukayna Dieng
Model Melodie Monrose (SHEER exclusive video)
About UNITAS
UNITAS began combatting human trafficking in 2015 after founder, Lubo Krstajic, learned of the plights of trafficking victims. Believing in unity as the name suggests, UNITAS quickly forged partnerships with governments and NGOs, and hired experts in the field to develop collaborative solutions in the fight against human trafficking. UNITAS has offices in Belgrade, Serbia and New York.