For Immediate Release: November 22, 2019 Media Contact: Paige Candee, 702-285-8002
American Idol Famed Ron Bultongez to Perform at the B.E. A S.H.E.R.O. Foundation’s Fifth Annual Awareness Gala to Help Victims of Sex Trafficking Survivor stories, enterTRAINment, and other experiences to motivate guests into action against modern-day slavery
LAS VEGAS – The B.E. A. S.H.E.R.O. Foundation, a Las Vegas-based non-profit organization that is a resource for girls in vulnerable situations, will hold its 5th Annual Awareness Gala on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at the top of the World Market Center Las Vegas, 475 South Grand Central Parkway, Building B, Las Vegas, Nev. The event will raise awareness about girls in vulnerable situations and raise critical funds to provide protection, shelter, education, and support to abused and exploited victims of sex trafficking.
Ron Bultongez will share his smooth yet raspy vocals and his bluesy, soulful songwriting at the fundraiser. He has been named “Hometown Hero” of Plano, Texas and was a Top 24 Finalist on American Idol 2018, where he left Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan in awe of his voice. An immigrant who escaped the Democratic Republic of Congo as a child, Bultongez has inspired many with his story and moving performances. Ultimately, Ron attributes his music to saving his life when he needed a way to escape.
“We are excited to have Ron join us to share his journey, depth and spirit,” said Kimberly Miles, founder of the B.E. A S.H.E.R.O. Foundation. “We know his personal understanding of traumatized children is in alignment with our mission of helping those in vulnerable situations. With his help, we aim to educate and enterTRAIN guests about the heinous crime of sex trafficking that is happening all around us and what each of us can do to help stop it and help those impacted by this modern-day slavery.”
Also joining us are the SHEROs from the #SHEROproject; modern day female super heroes that have been abused and transformed their lives, they are thriving and positively impacting the world. Founder Dawn Burnett says, “SHEROs are my way of giving back to the world. I’m a thriver myself andI wanted a space where women could be celebrated for conquering their past instead of being victimized as so many are today.” Dawn, a reporter and journalist, decided to turn her platform with Arianna Huffington’s Thrive Global into a space where women could find their voice, releasing fromthe shame that holds so many of us back from becoming the positive powerful person we have been designed to be. Ms. Burnett is currently working with illustrator Keith Williams, an American comic book artist whose work is recognized from features like the Phantom and Superman. Dawn says her dream has become a reality through the expression of comics; SHEROs will be featured as live super heroes, which has landed them a spot at MegaCon, Orlando; a space for attendees to see the comics come to life.
The event will start at 6:00 p.m. on February 8th with a VIP pre-party, red carpet, purple carpet experience, mix and mingle cocktail reception, butterfly transformation experience and entertainment on the first floor of the World Market Center Las Vegas. Then, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the fundraiser will continue up on the 16th floor with a three-course plated sit-down dinner, live and silent auctions, entertainment, enterTRAINment, survivor stories and more.
An after party will occur at the Cosmopolitan. B.E. A S.H.E.R.O. Foundation’s 5th Annual Awareness Gala is sponsored by: Lexus Las Vegas, the Cosmopolitan, Mike Ferry, Nathan Adelson Hospice, Nevada State Bank, Nevada State College, and America First Credit Union.
Guests can purchase individual VIP tickets for the formal event for $200, before December 15, 2019 or $250 after; general tickets do not include entrance to the VIP pre-party and can be purchased for $150, before December 15, or $200 after. Youth ages 25 and under, can purchase a reduced $75 ticket. Table sponsorships are available for $2500 and include VIP entrance for 10 guests and special table gifts. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Supporters can purchase tickets or get information online at www.sherofoundation.org or by calling 844-67-SHERO.
About the B.E. A S.H.E.R.O. Foundation B.E. A S.H.E.R.O. Foundation is a Las Vegas-based 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization focused on providing the resources needed to support, sustain and empower young girls and women under the age of 25 who have been abused, neglected, and exploited. The charity fosters collaboration by filling the gaps between, and bringing together, like-minded agencies to provide well-rounded resources. For additional information visit www.sherofoundation.org and join the social media conversations on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter with #BeASHERO, #SheIsAHERO.