I first heard of the Somaly Mam Foundation while watching the documentary "Half the Sky." The film was a roller coaster of emotions. I was outraged, disturbed, and deeply saddened by the suffering of girls and women around the world. I was also amazed and inspired by the women who take great personal risk to fight these evils and make the world a safer, more peaceful place. Women like Somaly Mam.

Their impact is global, but, as you will see in the film (if you watch it, which you should!), the impact they have of individuals and families is beyond extraordinary. I was so inspired, in fact, that I decided to join the Somaly Mam Foundation NYC Half Marathon Team to raise critical funds for the Foundation and the girls and women it serves.

Please help me by making a tax-deductible donation. I need to raise $900 by February 15th and $1,800 (total) by March 17th. Helping me reach my goal is, by leaps and bounds, the least important element of your contribution. Please read the following information to learn about the issues and why your donation is so critically needed.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jaime

THE SOMALY MAM FOUNDATION WILL HAVE A TEAM RUNNING IN THE NEW YORK CITY HALF MARATHON IN SUPPORT OF ENDING MODERN SLAVERY.

Girls no older than five are among the thousands of victims the Somaly Mam Foundation has helped rescue and recover from Southeast Asia’s prolific sex trade. Co-founded by Somaly Mam, a survivor of sex trafficking in Cambodia, the Foundation’s vision is modeled after Somaly’s inspiring escape from sexual slavery – ensuring that survivors take charge in reclaiming their lives, fighting back against their oppressors and refusing to turn their backs on those who remain behind.

Help the Foundation liberate victims from this horrendous industry and raise awareness about the brutality of the sex trade, an international criminal enterprise that makes billions of dollars a year by stripping women and girls of their basic human rights and treating them as nothing more than commodities.

What your donation can help support:
$10 covers one month of healthcare expenses for a woman or child recovering from being trafficked.
$25 provides a survivor of sex trafficking with one month of specialized vocational training.
$1,000 provides a 'start-up kit' for a female survivor to become an entrepreneur after leaving the shelter.
$3,000 sponsors a survivor, providing the cost to rescue, recover, educate, and reintegrate one girl.

Please visit www.somaly.org for more information.

Thank you for the support.