Wellspring Living is finalizing preparations for the 2023 Wellspring Living Gala, presented by Delta Air Lines and UPS, to be held on Sunday, October 08, 2023 at the InterContinental Buckhead in Atlanta. The Gala is the organization's largest annual fundraiser, having raised millions in support of survivors of sexual exploitation and those at risk. Under the theme, “Courage,” this year’s event will celebrate the strength, resilience and perseverance of sex trafficking survivors and their advocates.  

A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the inaugural Wellspring Living Courage Awards to City of Atlanta Attorney Nina Hickson and Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr in recognition of their impactful contributions to the fight for justice for victims of sex trafficking. 

As Fulton County Chief Juvenile Court Judge from 1999 to 2004, Hickson observed a growing number of young girls in her courtroom accompanied by older men. Her cognizance and concern alerted city officials such as Mayor Shirley Franklin, which jump started the anti-trafficking movement in Atlanta. Attorney Hickson is a pioneer in the fight against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC), which has paved the way to the awareness, rescue and rehabilitation efforts of today.

Since taking office in 2016, Carr has made it a priority to combat human trafficking, gang activity, opioid misuse, elder abuse and consumer fraud. In 2019, he created the first-of-its-kind Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, which rescued and assisted 116 victims last year alone. Attorney General Carr has played a critical role in eradicating human trafficking across our state and his leadership has led to life-saving work.

During the Gala, there will also be a special moment of recognition for Wellspring Living founder Mary Frances Bowley, who will retire effective January 1, 2024 after 23 years of dynamic and life-changing leadership. Wellspring Living will present Bowley with the inaugural Legacy Award in honor of her faithful and exemplary service to survivors of sex trafficking and those at risk. 

The 2023 Wellspring Living Gala is presented by Delta Air Lines and UPS, longtime partners of Wellspring Living and corporate leaders in the fight against sex trafficking through action and advocacy. The Gala planning committee includes Loretta Zimmerman, committee chairperson, Evia Golde, Board of Directors chairperson, Dawn Broms, Leslie Dean, Patricia Holder, Lisa Miller, Chandra Moore, Aliah Summers, and Cathie Wilson. Over 600 confirmed guests will join these and other sponsors, table hosts and supporters to celebrate courageous stories of survivors while raising funds needed for the critical programming and services provided by Wellspring Living. Together these stakeholders have already raised over $430,000 toward the event’s fundraising efforts. 

For the first time in its history, tickets and tables for The Gala are sold out ahead of the event. Those who are unable to attend may join by giving through the Wellspring Living 2023 Gala giving portal: https://qtego.us/qlink/wellspringliving.