Celebrating over 18 years of service in the fight against human exploitation.
SARASOTA, FL – This year, More Too Life, Inc. (MTL) is celebrating over 18 years of dedicated service and advocacy as an anti-human trafficking organization. As one of Florida’s notable non-profits, MTL presents the 2022 “Inspire Change” Anniversary Fundraiser Event which features a 100 Heroes Campaign and an elegant banquet on Friday, July 22, 2022. The Inspire Change Anniversary Banquet will be held at Art Ovation by Marriot located at 1255 North Palm Avenue at 6:30pm. Doors open at 6pm with a wine reception at 5:30pm.
The anniversary celebration features two ways to support. First, is to join the 100 Heroes Campaign. It is designed for supporters and friends around the world to make online donations, of any amount, as part of MTL’s 2022 Anniversary celebration. This fundraiser seeks a minimum of 100 donations of at least $100 or more toward the Inspire Change anniversary fundraiser efforts.
The Inspire Change Anniversary Banquet on July 22, 2022, recognizes the many years of loyal service, innovation, and expansion of More Too Life. This special occasion is designed to bring awareness, share success stories, and recognize individuals and partners who have joined the cause in saving and restoring the lives of children, young adults, and families. MTL understands the value in appreciating the milestones along the way as we continue to grow. From seeing the mental, emotional, and physical torment of traumatized victims, to witnessing the courage of survivors who fight for their healing, MTL also works toward the prevention of human trafficking and ending the demand. MTL’s innovative technology offers a creative space for effective mentoring and case management, digital therapy, and interactive counseling through virtual reality. Partnerships include victims and their families, federal and local law enforcement, the judicial system, educational institutions, NGO’s, leaders, buyers, and former traffickers to help change negative cultural and societal norms. The organization’s full scope of services is also implemented through partnerships with Voices For Florida and the Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime.
The Inspire Change Banquet will feature a reception with wine and survivor displays, guest speakers, award ceremony, a delectable three course meal, and live entertainment with dancing. You can join the celebration by purchasing tickets for $125, make a general donation, or become a sponsor. The event’s award ceremony reflects More Too Life’s partnerships and impact that span from the Sarasota community, regions throughout Florida and international collaborations.
Honorees include:
The Honorable Judge Robert Bauman, recipient of the Thurgood Marshall Award, who has played an instrumental role in promoting equality and justice for vulnerable youth. He understands the civil rights challenges across various lines and works to remove unrealized legal segregation to benefit juveniles from all backgrounds. Judge Bauman has worked with MTL to advocate for youth including teen victims of rape and human trafficking who often get lost in the system, at no fault of their own.
Chance Glasco will receive the Beyond the Call of Duty Award. He is recognized for his passion and dedicated contributions toward the lifesaving “Tech For Good” collaboration with Dr. Bello. Chance is one of the founding members of the Call of Duty video game franchise team.
Mr. Gildredo Ramos will be recognized as the Shine Star recipient. Mr. Ramos has been one of More Too Life’s consistent givers of 2021 – 2022 and maintains a humble and significant presence in the fight against human exploitation. He is seen as a man whose heart supports victims toward walking free.
Mrs. Mechelle Wilder, More Too Life longtime supporter and board member, will receive the Golden Heart award. She has been a trailblazer in the journey of MTL’s growth through her relentless giving and helping victims of human trafficking transform from victim to champions.
The Community Hero Award will go to Dr. Kameron Hodgens of Gulf Coast Community Foundation. As the former CEO of Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center, Dr. Hodgens as been a consistent and loyal supporter of the MTL mission and vision. She has been an outstanding leader and advocate for the work of non-profits throughout the community.
Mr. Jim Rouches of Harvest House will receive the Founder’s Award for his continuous exceptional support toward our local community and the underserved. Jim is no stranger to giving back and believes in educating others on the impact human trafficking and importance of recovery.
Man of Honor Award will be presented to Mr. Rich Schineller and Mr. Joe Cuffaro, mentor to Dr. Bello, for their unconditional commitment and service. They are both men of vision who care so deeply about all human beings having a right to thrive and to live in freedom from oppression. As leaders, they understand the vast work ahead of us and are keen to the founder’s vision while offering maven advice and making community connections.
Through the vision and innovation of Dr. Brook Parker-Bello, Founding CEO, More Too Life continues to be on the cutting-edge of identifying root causes, offering expert advocacy, innovation, and prevention, and ending demand. Dr. Bello is a clinical counselor, author, advocate, actress, and ordained minister. As a survivor-champion herself, she draws from personal experiences, and her training as a pastoral clinical counselor, to help survivors discover their authentic identities through mentoring and education.
Dr. Brook Bello states, “18 years is a lifetime for many victims and often much less. Our fight over the last 18 years has been filled with fight, pain, joy, and triumph. It has also been a boulder up a hill, as we think of all victims go through and how much our world is changing, good and not so good, which is a part of living. We have served at More Too Life over 7000 thousand victims on various levels of need while working with thousands of men and boys in court appointed prevention education or volunteer. It is now time to celebrate! celebrate the successes of so many survivors and the stamina, wisdom, innovation, services, thought leadership, legislation advocacy, and sheer strategic zeal to keep going, even when it was tough”, says Dr. Bello.
Our current 2022 sponsors include: A4H/Authentic ID, David Arkless, Chairman of MTL’s board, The Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, Tom Craft, Dr. Baltimore, and Pastor Jenkins, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Echo-Luv Enterprises and Goldman Sachs.
For more information, banquet tickets, or for sponsorship opportunities please contact Shavon Reed, Chief Managing Director, at 888.544.2872 or shavon@moretoolife.org.
To learn about More Too Life’s victim services or prevention and demand programs, please visit: www.moretoolife.org