The Fight Against Sex Trafficking

Camila and Matthew McConaughey Help New Friends New Life Surpass its Fundraising Goal

Photos by Tamytha Cameron and Celeste Cass

Leading the Fight Against Sex Trafficking
Bianca Davis CEO of New Life New Friends spoke about the prevalence of the sex trafficking industry in North Texas
Leading the Fight Against Sex Trafficking
Lisa Rocchio shared that while attending the 2023 NFNL Luncheon, she was shocked to hear the statistics of sex trafficking in Dallas.  When she brought her neighbor JoJo Fleiss on an NLNF bus tour led by the Men’s Advocacy Group the two decided to get involved in NFNL.  The friends co-chaired the 2024 luncheon.

Honorary Co-Chairs Robin and Norm Bagwell were recognized for their longtime commitment to the work of NFNL.

Leading the Fight Against Sex Trafficking
right: Matthew and Camila McConaughey, Meredith Land

Over 1,200 guests joined New Friends New Life (NFNL) last September at the OMNI Dallas Hotel for a memorable luncheon. It helped raise $1.1 million to benefit the nonprofit’s mission. NFNL works to restore and empower trafficked and sexually exploited teen girls, women and their children. Their efforts also drive awareness of this issue and its prevalence. 

“Texas ranks second in the nation for the highest number of human trafficking victims, and here in North Texas, sex trafficking is a $99 million industry. 

Women and girls are the prime target, and the average age of a girl sold in the sex trade is 15. But those who fall victim are not trapped in this illegal industry by choice,” said NFNL CEO Bianca Davis.

Moderated by NBC 5’s Meredith Land, the luncheon conversation with featured guests Camila and Matthew McConaughey  started with them sharing their love of Texas and passion for University of Texas Longhorn football. The conversation turned more serious as they discussed their “just keep livin” foundation

Started after the tragic school shooting incident in Matthew’s hometown of Uvalde, Texas, just keep livin’ programs encourage students to make positive life choices. After-school programs in inner-city neighborhoods encourage exercise, teamwork, gratitude and nutrition to improve students’ physical and mental health. To date, just keep livin’ has started 40 programs across 10 states.

Prior to leaving the stage, the McConaugheys exceeded NLNF’s highest hopes as keynote speakers. They had heard NFNL was $140,000 short of this year’s annual fundraising goal of $1M and offered to match the funds raised at the luncheon up to $100,000. When the ballroom lights turned up, they proceeded to lead the crowd auction-style. It resulted in a fast and furious audience match with donations large and small to meet the goal.  So in all, with the McConaughey’s generous offer, NFNL finished the year with $1.1M to further its life-changing work.

NLNF ProtectHER Awards

Southwest Airlines and Young Men’s Service League (YMSL) were honored with awards at the luncheon.   See a  video about how these organizations support the protection and value of women and girls in the community.)


Liberty Street Garden, a partnership of NFNL, the Meadows Foundation, and Bonton Farms highlights an important next step in the journey of restoring and empowering survivors. The garden not only provides income, but also work experience, in a healing environment.  This helps prepare those served by NFNL for future employment.

Young Men’s Service League CEO and Founder, and ProtectHER Award recipient, Pam Rosener with her son, Clark Rosener
Managing Director of Corporate Responsibility for Southwest Airlines Laura Nieto
receives a ProtectHER Award on behalf of Southwest Airlines from Priya Murphy
 

This article appeared in the Holiday 2024 Issue of The Savvy Life. For our many newcomers to the Dallas/Fort Worth area, this issue is designed to inspire them to get involved and explore all that the North Texas community has to offer.  And if you’re a native or longtime resident, the content inside will remind you how fortunate we are to be part of a community that embraces humility, passion and kindness. North Texans place a high value on preserving and promoting our history, architectural treasures and culture. We encourage you to spread the word about it.

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