Pathways Project brings Totes Against Trafficking weekend to Branson
Designer handbags, a former Major League Baseball player and one shared mission will come together in Branson to help protect the vulnerable.
Pathways Project Coalition of the Ozarks will host two events Oct. 23-24 at the Branson Convention Center, raising awareness and funds to support its work with vulnerable youth and survivors of sex trafficking.
The weekend begins with an intimate VIP dinner with former MLB player Adam LaRoche from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23. Limited to 50 guests, the dinner will give attendees an opportunity to hear LaRoche’s story and learn more about his humanitarian and anti-trafficking work.
Pathways Project founder Veloris Cizek Juneman said LaRoche walked away from professional baseball and a multimillion-dollar contract and has since dedicated himself to work that protects vulnerable people.
“He is the most mission-driven person that I know, sold out to protect the vulnerable,” Juneman said. “He leads the E3 Ranch Foundation and does amazing humanitarian work all over the world.”
The following day, Pathways Project will host its third Totes Against Trafficking event from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Branson Convention Center. LaRoche and his wife, Jen, will also attend Saturday’s event.
Juneman said organizers expanded Totes Against Trafficking this year to include men, recognizing that trafficking awareness and protecting children are responsibilities shared by the entire family.
“We added the tailgate this time because we wanted to include men,” Juneman said. “Men and women, we all have a lot to learn about trafficking and about protecting our children. It starts in the home.”
The afternoon will feature bingo for designer handbags, a silent auction with items for men and women and a celebrity newlywed game featuring LaRoche and his wife. The larger space at the Branson Convention Center will allow up to 300 people to attend after previous Totes Against Trafficking events reached capacity.
Juneman said events such as the VIP dinner and Totes Against Trafficking help further the organization’s mission to educate the community about sex trafficking, protect and support vulnerable youth and empower survivors as they begin their journey toward healing.
Proceeds from the weekend will support Pathways Project programs, including the Pathways to Hope Advocacy Center, its 30- to 90-day stabilization program and community outreach.
VIP dinner tickets are $150 and include dinner, two drinks, an autographed baseball from LaRoche and admission to Totes Against Trafficking. Only 50 VIP dinner tickets are available.
Both events will be held at the Branson Convention Center, 200 S. Sycamore St. in Branson. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Pathways Project Coalition of the Ozarks on social media or scan the QR code on the event flyer. For questions, call 417-524-9539 or email contact@pathwaysprojectmo.org.
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