The Race To End Sex Trafficking

Around the globe, millions of children suffer at the hands of captors and abusers in the $32+ billion “industry” known as sex trafficking.  In the United States alone, officials estimate that as many as 300,000 children are trafficked each year.  California is the only state that has three cities with a high incidence of child sex trafficking.  One member of the Run For Courage team, Vicki Zito, personally experienced the reality of this heinous crime.  Her daughter was taken from a local grocery store and sold for sex by a trafficker for 8 days before being rescued by the FBI…

During the Spring of 2010, a group of eleven friends joined together to raise awareness and money for the restoration of children forced into sex trafficking.  More than half of us are runners and athletes so we planned a 5/10K race called Run For Courage, which took place in October of 2010 in Folsom, CA.  With the support of 726 participants, countless volunteers, and many generous sponsors/contributors- the first annual Run For Courage event raised $41,000.  The proceeds were donated to a local non-profit organization building a safe home for minor victims of sex trafficking.

Run For Courage, Inc. obtained 501 (c) (3) status, becoming a non-profit corporation in late 2010.  In 2011 RFC had a goal to double the 2010 Folsom race and did as 1734 runners lined up at the starting banner. In total RFC raised over $100,000 in 2011. The proceeds went to four wonderful organizations whose programs are restoring victims of sex trafficking.

RFC attacks the crime of sex trafficking in several ways.  First, we employ our experience and talents to put on large-scale events with participants and corporate sponsors.  Second, we raise money for organizations that:  Provide direct services that help restore victims.  We choose programs that most efficiently utilize their resources on services for victims.  Proceeds from our events will be distributed to multiple organizations, programs, residential facilities, or homes that have been carefully evaluated and monitored.