“A Walk Together – Uniting Against Sex Trafficking” is a fundraising/awareness walk that will happen on Saturday, April 27. This sixth annual event will help raise money for and bring awareness to the work of the Central Minnesota Sexual Assault Center.
The Central Minnesota Sexual Assault Center provides services to survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation and other forms of sexual violence including child sex abuse. St. Cloud has been identified by survivors and local law enforcement as a “training hub” for prostitution in Minnesota which has the third highest rate of sex trafficking among states in the United States. CMSAC provides a safe environment where people of all ages and genders can heal from their trauma. Through education, CMSAC also seeks to impact change in society’s attitudes and institutions that will reduce and hopefully eradicate incidences of sexual violence.
100 percent of the money raised from this event will be donated to CMSAC. Last year just under $37,672 was raised through sponsorships and registrations. Registration cost for walkers $35. A special $15 student registration is also available.
Registration the day of the walk begins at 8:30 a.m. at the site of the old Ramada Inn (121 Park Ave. S. in St. Cloud.) Several speakers will address the gathering from 9 to 10 a.m. with the walk to follow. Snacks and beverage will be provided along with live music by Donny Brang. Individuals and teams are encouraged to become involved in this event and to bring signs and posters with educational information regarding sex trafficking to the walk.
Interested parties may visit www.walktogethermn.org to see a video on this event and to get additional information. This event has been supported since its inception by Shear Dynamics Salon in Waite Park.