AAA – The Ellipse

by Dao Nguyen, edited by Nina Nim

On Thursday, April 8th, 2010, the Issues Committee hosted a benefit gala with the International Justice Mission (IJM) campus chapter in an effort to bring awareness to sex trafficking issues in Southeast Asia. A local Chinatown restaurant catered the event – offering an abundance of delicious shrimp dumplings, shumai, and egg tarts for guests to enjoy.

Issues committee member, Angela Lee, emceed the night and introduced the first performer, Yi Ning, to the stage. Yi Ning performed original songs accompanied by the sounds of her piano. Noteworthy was also present to perform a few songs, which included a rendition of the popular hit “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga.

A few informational video clips about sex trafficking were shown in order to inspire guests to donate money to the cause. The International Justice Mission is a human rights agency that works toward accomplishing justice for “victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression” (http://www.ijm.org). The organization employs lawyers and investigators to work with victims in the persecution of suspects of the crimes previously mentioned. After a successful night, the attendees, which numbered more than 80, left having enjoyed delicious food and learned about powerful issues and possible solutions.

The clips shown that night can be found here:

http://love146.org/videos/face-slavery