“Not On My Watch!” Community Bands Together Against Human Trafficking in Florida

CLEARWATER, Fla., Dec. 08, 2016 -- On December 3, 2016, Mr. Christopher King, grandson of the late BB King, hosted the “Gentlemen’s Ball Against Human Trafficking” fundraiser for Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking (FCAHT) at the Fort Harrison, the Church of Scientology’s international religious retreat in downtown Clearwater, for over 200 guests.

Mr. Christopher King, founder of the Gentlemen's Course, speaks on the stage of the Fort Harrison retreat at the Gentlemen's Ball fundraiser for the Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/aa050b55-bcb1-4a3e-bc53-2ca9b3551750

The Community Affairs Director for the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization, Dylan Pires, opened the event, welcoming the guests to the Fort Harrison.

“Holding events at the Fort Harrison has been a long-standing tradition. And the Church of Scientology has been proudly continuing that tradition, holding hundreds of community events and making our doors wide open for non-profit organizations and charities to hold their own events,” said Mr. Pires.

Mr. Christopher King served as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. He spoke about his partnership with United for Human Rights and explained a bit about what human rights are. He showed three short videos of these three rights: The Right to Life, No Slavery and We are All Born Free and Equal.

Giselle Rodriguez, Outreach Coordinator for FCAHT described how they prevent human trafficking and help those who have suffered from it.

Former Florida State Representative, Ed Narain, spoke about the State’s efforts to get rid of human trafficking, including state legislation.

Entertainment included Shaun Hopper, and accomplished guitar soloist who has opened for musical greats such as BB King and Stevie Wonder. Shaun finished his solo set with the backup of the Fort Harrison band.

Humanitarian and Scientology founder, L. Ron Hubbard, said: “Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream.” 

The Fort Harrison Religious Retreat:

Since its construction in 1927, the Fort Harrison has been the home for many community events and charitable organizations. The Fort Harrison’s current owner, the Church of Scientology, has hosted over 500 community events there since a top-to-bottom restoration in 2009. The Scientology religion was founded by humanitarian and philosopher, L. Ron Hubbard, and incorporated in 1954. To learn more, visit www.scientology.org.

Dylan Pires
(727) 467-6860