Summary of GAIN’s Not My Life Fundraiser

What a wonderful night. 

The Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network (GAIN) held its second annual fundraiser on July 19, 2012.  GAIN is overwhelmed by the support shown by members of the community, partner organizations, Atlanta law firms, and many others. The evening started at 5:45 at the Woodruff Arts Center with drinks, appetizers, and mingling, and developed into an active room full of lively conversation and enjoyment.  At the reception, there was a silent auction that gave attendees the opportunity to bid on pieces of artwork made by refugees and immigrant victims of domestic violence, many of whom are former GAIN clients. The artists were compensated for their wonderful pieces, which included jewelry, hand embroidered quilts, paintings, crocheted greeting cards, and glasswork.

GAIN Program Director Monica Modi Khant and Equal Justice Works Fellow Alpa Amin were diligent hosts, working the room and expressing their appreciation to all of the attendees. At 7 o’clock, Byron Kirkpatrick, a GAIN board member from Troutman Sanders, took the microphone to usher the crowd into the theater for the Atlanta premiere of the documentary Not My LifeNot My Life, narrated by Glenn Close, is a documentary that was filmed on five continents over a period of four years that depicts the devastation of human trafficking and modern-day slavery.  Tissues were dispersed throughout the theater and they were definitely needed as the viewers took in the impact of the film.  The night was full of laughter and fun, but also focused on the sobering reality of global human trafficking, and its foothold right here in Georgia, which makes the work that GAIN does for trafficking victims so vital .

Thank you to everyone who attended for the support! Photos are to come!

Alex Amling, GAIN Intern