Hope in Action: A Powerful Day at the 5th Annual Global Hope 365 Walk/Run
- nataliegothrive
- Sep 28
- 3 min read
A Community United for Change
This month, we celebrated a significant milestone in our ongoing battle against Child Marriage, Human Trafficking, and all forms of Gender-Based Violence. The 5th Annual Global Hope 365 Walk/Run brought together community members, leaders, and activists in a united effort to raise awareness. Thanks to everyone's commitment and energy, this year's event was not just successful; it was inspirational.
The event once again demonstrated how collective action can create meaningful change. From the start, the atmosphere was charged with unity and determination. Participants proudly wore T-shirts representing their companies and organizations, joining together in solidarity for vulnerable individuals — women, men, and children — affected by exploitation and violence around the world.
Voices of Courage and Leadership
Before the walk began, attendees heard opening remarks from Global Hope 365 leadership, survivors, elected officials, law enforcement, and collaborating organizations, all emphasizing the importance of awareness, prevention, and community action in ending human trafficking and child marriage.
Among the most powerful moments were the testimonies of survivors Marjorie Saylor and Elizabeth Sitton. Their openness and strength left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance, reminding participants of the urgency behind Global Hope 365’s mission.
Community leaders, including Mayor Larry Agran, Vice Mayor James Mai, Councilmember Mike Carroll, and Senator (Ret.) Joe Dunn also lent their support, reinforcing the need for collaboration between organizations, government, and individuals to protect the most vulnerable. Their participation underscored the belief that lasting change requires leadership and commitment at every level.
A Celebration of Partnership and Support
The day concluded with an award ceremony recognizing those who made the event possible and our winners. Gratitude was extended to sponsors, community partners, and volunteers whose dedication and enthusiasm ensured the success of the 5th Annual Walk/Run. Thanks to their combined efforts, Global Hope 365 surpassed its fundraising goal, providing critical support for ongoing education, outreach, and advocacy initiatives.
Special thanks were given to CalOptima Health for bringing essential health resources to families and to Falck Mobile Health Corp (OC/LA) for maintaining safety throughout the event. Their first aid services, hands-on training, and ambulance tours for children added both educational and practical value to the day’s activities.
Continuing the Fight Against Child Marriage
While the event celebrated meaningful progress, it also highlighted the ongoing challenges that Global Hope 365 continues to address. Child marriage remains legal in 34 states, including California, where the rate of child marriage exceeds the national average. According to the Pew Research Center, 5.5 out of every 1,000 individuals aged 15 to 17 are married in California, compared to 4.6 nationwide.
These statistics serve as a sobering reminder that there is still significant work to be done to protect young people from exploitation and early marriage. Global Hope 365 remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for legislative reform, raise public awareness, and empower communities to take action.
Hope in Action
The Walk/Run underscored a simple but powerful truth: awareness leads to action, and action leads to change. Every step taken on that September morning represented a collective promise to protect, advocate, and work toward a future free from human trafficking and child marriage.
Global Hope 365 extends its most profound appreciation to all participants, sponsors, speakers, and volunteers who contributed to this year’s success. Through their support, the organization continues to advance its mission of raising awareness, protecting futures, and empowering communities to take a stand.
The 5th Annual Walk/Run was more than an event; it was a declaration of hope and a commitment to building a world where every woman and girl can live free, safe, and with the opportunity to thrive.
By becoming a donor, you can contribute to these crucial efforts. Even a $25 monthly donation can help fund resources for advocacy, prevention programs, and protective measures for at-risk youth. To join the fight against child exploitation, please consider donating:
Visit Global Hope 365 or send a check to:
Global Hope 365335 Centennial Way, Suite 200Tustin, CA 92780
Together, we can help create a safer world for children, free from the horrors of sextortion, trafficking, and exploitation. Join Global Hope 365 in protecting vulnerable young lives and building a future where every child can grow up safe.
Get involved: https://www.globalhope365.org/getinvolved
Global Hope 365 - Connect with us online
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlobalHope365
Twitter: https://x.com/globalhope365
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalhope365
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