The featured charitable organization of the month for January 2021 was Bridging Freedom, an organization dedicated to ending human trafficking and assisting survivors of that crime. Human trafficking is a pervasive and often “invisible” criminal operation. Bridging Freedom’s mission is to combat minor sex-trafficking by bringing restoration to those rescued and victim prevention to those who learn about the horrors of human trafficking. Bridging Freedom educates the community and works with partners in the area to increase awareness of this unconscionable issue.
“Bridging Freedom wishes to thank the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office for their valued partnership in ending human trafficking,” remarks Alan Wilkett, Board Chair and Director of Outreach & Training. “With the donation from January’s charitable project, Bridging Freedom will be able to provide critical services for minor female victims of human trafficking. Thank you, Pasco residents, for your generosity, the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office members and staff for your engagement, and Mike Fasano for your unwavering support. Together we make a collective statement – Human Trafficking has no place in Pasco County.”
During the month of January 2021, the Pasco Tax Collector’s Office raised over $6,000 in cash and in-kind donations for this incredibly important organization. The funds will be used not only help the victims who suffer greatly, they will also be used to educate the public, local businesses, and others about the importance of recognizing human trafficking for the horrendous crime it is.
“It is through the dedicated people who work for Bridging Freedom and other victim advocacy services that human and sex trafficking will one day come to an end,” comments Tax Collector Mike Fasano. “Through the support of a generous public the funds raised will open doors to victims so they may escape the enslavement caused by traffickers. Thank you to every person who donated to this good program. Your financial help will help Bridging Freedom expand and be able to rescue and offer help to even more victims.”
For more information about this and other charitable campaigns supported by the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office please contact Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at (727) 847-8179. For more information about Bridging Freedom and the services this organization provides please contact Board Chair and Director of Outreach & Training Alan Wilkett at (813) 474-HOPE (4673).
[Photo of check presentation attached which includes Tax Collector Mike Fasano, Bill Cronin, President/ CEO of the Pasco Economic Development Council & Alan Wilkett, Board Chair and Director of Outreach & Training for Bridging Freedom]
###