Powell is the executive director and co-founder of Fair Fund, an international nonprofit organization based in the District. They are gearing up for Pearls of Purpose on May 4. For information, visit www.fairfund.org or call 202-265-1505. What does Fair Fund do?
Fair Fund works here and around the world to keep people safe from sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. We go into schools and foster homes and group homes and educate young people, particularly girls, about how to stay safe from trafficking. We provide compassionate care, art therapy and economic empowerment for high-risk girls here in the D.C. area.
Can you explain art therapy?
We have a program called JewelGirls, and the JewelGirls program brings girls together after school to teach them how to stay safe in situations of violence and trafficking. It also gives them a chance to make and sell their own handcrafted jewelry. It helps the girls learn critical job skills and get access to services in the city.
What is Pearls of Purpose?
This is our fifth annual Pearls of Purpose signature gala, and the funds raised go directly to support our programs. This year we have Amber Lyon from CNN as our keynote speaker, and we will also have girls from JewelGirls participating and selling their jewelry at the gala. It’s at the Georgetown City Tavern Club. We’re actively looking for sponsors and people to attend and make sure it’s a fabulous event that will help more girls. Tickets are $125 for individual, $240 for couples and $250 each for a limited number of VIP tickets.
What is the significance of the name Pearls of Purpose?
Fair Fund believes that each individual girl is a precious gemstone or pearl, and she deserves to be nurtured and supported. This event gives people the opportunity to enable Fair Fund to nurture and support more girls.
Erica Redmond
