A Night of Hope Gala Recap✨

Hi Friend!

We are so grateful to everyone who joined us at the 11th Annual A Night of Hope Gala on Sunday! ✨ It was truly an inspiring evening celebrating partnership, resilience, the grit it takes to heal, and the generosity of our community! The impact of this night makes another year of freedom, hope, and restoration possible for survivors of sexual exploitation and human trafficking right here in Central Texas.

Thank you! Thank you! THANK YOU!

Highlights from an Unforgettable Evening! 💫

Our Director of Program Development, Heather Moga, opened the evening by sharing the story behind our name. Red represents our beginnings in the red light districts, Oak symbolizes resilience and strength, and Hope is the foundation of all we do. Human trafficking impacts thousands across Texas every day, and while the need is great, together with our community partners, we are helping survivors find freedom, healing, and restoration. Through safe housing, holistic support, and collaboration, we are building a future where every survivor has a way forward.

Caitlin Gomez, Human Trafficking Specialist with the Ascension Texas Prevention Hub, shared how healthcare providers play a vital role in recognizing and supporting survivors. Since 2017, her team has trained over 8,000 providers and supported more than 1,000 patients through crisis intervention, case management, and collaboration with partners like Red Oak Hope. She reminded us that no survivor should ever walk the road to recovery alone.

This year, we launched a new tradition of honoring a community partner with our Founder’s Award for Partnership and Movement Building. We were thrilled to present the first award to Jason Spees, whose national leadership and research in anti-trafficking are matched by his two years of pro-bono medical care for our clients. His compassionate and dedicated service has transformed lives, and we are deeply grateful for his partnership.

Our Executive Director, Haley Patterson, reminded us that redemption is gritty, full of unseen struggles, brave choices, and small steps that lead to healing. This past year brought big transitions for Red Oak Hope, but also powerful stories of survivors finding safety, stability, and hope through courage and community. Even when the odds are just 1%, we believe every step toward freedom is worth it, and we are so grateful to stand in this work together.

Our staff is consistently amazed by the beauty of gathering together every year and the profound impact that the gala's partnership brings.

Thank you SO much for your incredible support and for partnering with us to create communities of healing and belonging for the most vulnerable individuals. 🧡

The event is over, but the work continues!

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