DC JewelGirls Fight FAIR At 'Pearls Of Purpose’ Gala; Michelle Fenty & CNN’s Amber Lyon Speak Out Against Human Trafficking…

GEORGETOWN -- The rooms of M Street’s historic City Tavern Club sparkled with an unusual brilliance on Wednesday evening, as D.C.’s ‘JewelGirls’ united to celebrate FAIR Fund’s fifth annual ‘Pearls of Purpose’ gala.

A 501(c)3 nonprofit working to prevent the human trafficking of youth worldwide through compassionate intervention services and community leadership, education, and economic empowerment programs, FAIR Fund was founded by Andrea Powell and Caroline Tower Morris and now counts among its team a staff of 6, 20+ volunteers, and more than 1,500 college student representatives.

The organization’s signature fundraising event of the year, last night’s gala saw hundreds of supporters converge across two floors of the City Tavern Club. Three-time Emmy Award-winning CNN correspondent Amber Lyon served as the evening’s emcee, introducing both Michelle Fenty and Powell to guests.

“I am delighted to have met the young women in FAIR Fund’s DC JewelGirls program and I am so proud of their commitment to empower themselves,” said Fenty. “They are a shining example of what a young lady can achieve when she has just a little bit of help.”

The most poignant moment of the night by far, however, were the remarks delivered by a 22-year-old Serbian woman named Biljana. A survivor of human trafficking herself, she spoke as to the support the organization’s art therapy and economic empowerment programs provided to her during her recovery:

“Being a part of FAIR Fund…my life is much better. FAIR Fund really helped me achieve my dreams…I want to send a message of hope to all of the girls who are now joining this program. Believe in yourself, your ability. Each and every one of you is worth love and respect.”

Both before and after the gala’s main program, attendees were free to wander about the venue’s second floor where a variety of pieces designed and created by the organization’s JewelGirls were for sale, with all proceeds providing a safe way for the program’s participants to earn money for food, housing, and basic necessities.

A handful of local restaurants and eateries had also generously donated various sweet and savory bites for the occasion, including a table of cupcakes courtesy of Alexandria Cupcake and a variety of cold hors d’oeuvres from Chef Todd Gray’s Watershed location.

Careful diamonds, purposeful pearls might just be a girl’s new best friend!

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To learn more about FAIR Fund, please visit the organization's website.