On June 25th, Virginia is coming together with the anti-trafficking organization Compassion First for a 5K Lantern Walk/Run to raise awareness and funds for the work that Compassion First is doing to care for child survivors of sex trafficking.
This event is inspired and led by Madison Argyle, a teenager living in the Woodlake Community. For the past six years, she has used her birthday as a way to make a difference in the lives of others. “The girls CF cares for are my age, and I want to help them and let them know that they matter and are loved. Our family has worked closely with this organization for many years. They are very special to us,” Argyle says.
The event will start on June 25th at the Woodlake Pavilion at 6:30 pm with live music, food, speakers, and kid’s activities, followed by a five-kilometer (3.1 miles) twilight walk and run through Woodlake carrying lanterns.
Keynote Speakers include:
Tanya Gould, Director of Anti-Human Trafficking Office of the Attorney General
Michael Cherry, Virginia Delegate of the 66th District, Educator, Veteran and Pastor
Mike Mercer, President, Compassion First
Valerie Bellamy, Director of Operations, Compassion First
Tickets can be purchased at www.thelanternwalk.org and include lantern or headlamp for runners. The cost is $45 for adults, $25 for attendees under 18, and free for children under six.
Compassion First is a Christian-based anti-trafficking organization that provides hope-filled, long-term solutions for survivors of child sex trafficking and of exploitation. They also conduct community development work and establish partnerships with local law enforcement to facilitate the prevention of trafficking. They have been operated since 2010.
