Event

Light in the Shadows Anti-Human Trafficking Luncheon

Child exploitation and human trafficking are stealing the futures of children in our own communities. But together, we can change that.

Place Of Hope’s 4th Annual

Light in The Shadows

A luncheon to fight child exploitation & human trafficking

Tuesday, December 1, 2026 | 10AM – 1PM
Mar-a-lago, Palm Beach
Attire: Festive cocktail

The Light in the Shadows Luncheon is one of South Florida’s leading events raising awareness and critical funding to combat human trafficking, child exploitation, and abuse impacting vulnerable children and teens across Palm Beach County and throughout Florida. Hosted by Place of Hope, this powerful annual luncheon brings together community leaders, advocates, philanthropists, and supporters dedicated to protecting children and restoring hope to survivors.

Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes in Florida, and many victims are hidden in plain sight within our own communities. Through the Light in the Shadows Luncheon, Place of Hope is able to directly fund high-quality, trauma-informed therapy, safe housing, education, mentoring, and specialized support services for survivors of trafficking and at-risk youth. These life-changing programs help children heal from trauma, rebuild confidence, and create a path toward long-term stability and success.

As one of Florida’s largest faith-based child welfare organizations, Place of Hope has a growing statewide impact through prevention, intervention, foster care, family support services, and anti-human trafficking initiatives. By partnering with law enforcement, schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations, Place of Hope works to identify vulnerable youth, prevent exploitation before it happens, and provide immediate and long-term care for survivors.

The Light in the Shadows Luncheon is more than a fundraising event — it is a movement to end human trafficking and protect children throughout Palm Beach County and across Florida. Every ticket purchased, sponsorship secured, and donation made helps provide hope, healing, and a brighter future for children in crisis.

Learn more about Place of Hope’s mission to fight human trafficking, support survivors, and strengthen children and families across Florida by visiting our website and joining the fight to bring light into the shadows.

Become a Sponsor

Purchase Tickets (Available October 13 @ 3:00pm)

Sign up to be added to our waiting list

VIP Tickets

Thank You To Our 2026 Sponsors!

Winter Wonderland Title Sponsor – The Boswell Family

Snowfall Presenting Lunch Sponsor – VirtualHealth 360

Starlight Stage Sponsor – RWB Construction

Radiance Sponsor – Nadia Davis

Radiance Sponsor – Beba Moore

Our Chair: Jill Gallagher

A woman with dark hair in an updo, wearing a sheer black blouse with a large bow, smiles in front of red curtains and festive lights.
Blue outline icon of a rolled-up document with a heart symbol at the top and three lines of bullet points beneath it, representing a kids charity, on a light gray background.

Tickets

Sponsorships are now available and tickets will go live on October 13th at 3 PM based on availability.

Blue line drawing of two gift cards, one in front featuring a bow and dollar sign, representing the idea of a kids charity gift card or voucher—perfect for supporting nonprofits for children.

Donate to the Auction

Do you have an item to donate for our auction? Email [email protected]
Two blue outline drawings of hands raised, one large and one small, each holding a heart in the center of the palm, symbolizing care and support—perfect for a kids charity or nonprofit for children.

Volunteer Opportunities

We are looking for great volunteers to help leading up to the event and the day of. Email [email protected]

We Gather to Stop Exploitation in Our Own Backyard

Get Involved Today

Contact Info

“Goal-Driven Care ”

One thing that impressed us when we first came to Place of Hope was their...
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Cherie & John Arscott

“Goal-Driven Care”

One thing that impressed us when we first came to Place of Hope was their commitment to setting goals for the children. They are not simply given everything; they have specific benchmarks they must achieve. This resonates with us personally.
Goal-Driven Care
Cherie & John Arscott

"Giving Hope to the World"

It is an honor to work with organizations like Place of ...
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Elizabeth Smart, Abduction Survivor and Activist

"Giving Hope to the World"

It is an honor to work with organizations like Place of Hope that bring hope to the world. I have so much respect for nonprofits that take on this work.
Giving Hope to the World
Elizabeth Smart, Abduction Survivor and Activist

"Sowing Into Purpose"

Our farms and business support Place of Hope annually because we believe in ...
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Debra & Paul Allen, RC Hatton & Napa Auto Parts

"Sowing Into Purpose"

Our farms and business support Place of Hope annually because we believe in their purpose. We are blessed to partner with them.
Sowing Into Purpose
Debra & Paul Allen, RC Hatton & Napa Auto Parts

“Beyond Financial Giving ”

We’ve always made financial contributions, but it’s not just about money; we make...
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Gary & Bonnie Hildebrand

“Beyond Financial Giving”

We’ve always made financial contributions, but it’s not just about money; we make ourselves available. This is one of the most philanthropic communities, filled with generous people who care about making a difference.
Beyond Financial Giving
Gary & Bonnie Hildebrand

“Stepping Up for Youth Aging Out ”

This is a magnitude we had thought of but never done...
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Harold & Nancy Tomlinson

“Stepping Up for Youth Aging Out”

This is a magnitude we had thought of but never done before. It brings tears to your eyes knowing that when kids age out of foster care, they are on the street unless someone steps in. Many of these kids have no family or hope.
Stepping Up for Youth Aging Out
Harold & Nancy Tomlinson

"Changing Lives Through Love"

What can we say? We love Place of Hope and the team! ...
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Ian & Jennie Baker-Finch

"Changing Lives Through Love"

What can we say? We love Place of Hope and the team! The work they do is changing lives.
Changing Lives Through Love
Ian & Jennie Baker-Finch

"Helping Women in Crisis"

Over the years we’ve supported organizations that empower women. Place of Hope’s...
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Brannan Thomas, U.S. Sugar

"Helping Women in Crisis"

Over the years we’ve supported organizations that empower women. Place of Hope’s work in providing critical resources is inspiring and benefits all of South Florida.
Helping Women in Crisis
Brannan Thomas, U.S. Sugar

"Providing More Than Shelter"

We support Place of Hope because they provide more than just shelter —they...
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Eddie & Christina Naugle

"Providing More Than Shelter"

We support Place of Hope because they provide more than just shelter—they offer healing, safety, and a future to children and families. Their impact in our community is lasting and powerful.
Providing More Than Shelter
Eddie & Christina Naugle

“A Place Like No Other ”

Place of Hope is a magical place to give hope to children...
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Rob Thompson

“A Place Like No Other”

Place of Hope is a magical place to give hope to children who have none. For 20 years I’ve watched them give children the chance to build beautiful lives despite the odds. I’ve never been more inspired by a children’s charity.
A Place Like No Other
Rob Thompson

"Shattering Stereotypes"

Visiting Place of Hope gave me goosebumps. The buildings, parents, and kids melt away ...
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Dr. Oz

"Shattering Stereotypes"

Visiting Place of Hope gave me goosebumps. The buildings, parents, and kids melt away the stereotypes about foster care. It is no wonder they are nationally recognized as one of the best.
Shattering Stereotypes
Dr. Oz

“Creating Productive Citizens ”

We are establishing residential homes for young adults in safe and nurturing environments,...
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Cecilia & Gary Peters

“Creating Productive Citizens”

We are establishing residential homes for young adults in safe and nurturing environments, helping those with the least opportunity find fulfillment as productive members of society.
Creating Productive Citizens
Cecilia & Gary Peters

“There’s No Place Like It ”

There is no place like Place of Hope.
Dr. Ben Carson

“There’s No Place Like It”

There is no place like Place of Hope.
There’s No Place Like It
Dr. Ben Carson