Local chefs and restaurants came together to collaborate on a seven-course dinner on November 15th to benefit Freedom a la Cart, the local social enterprise that aids survivors of human trafficking and assists them with a workforce development program centered around the restaurant industry. Representatives from the event reported today that it raised over $100,000 for the cause.

“The community came together to enjoy delicious local dishes and celebrate working together toward a mission, and the funds raised will help us to accomplish even more in the fight against human trafficking in Central Ohio,” said Keturah Schroeder, Managing Director of Freedom a la Cart.

Participating chefs and restaurants included Dustin Brafford from The Crest, Deborah Quinci from Freedom a la Cart, Miki Ashino and Eric Allen from Tokyo GoGo and Brothers Drake, Patrick Caskey from Skillet, Tom Kimura from Kihachi, Jessica Bryant from Pistacia Vera and Jullian Menaged from The Market Italian Village.

“It’s rewarding to use our creativity and passion for food as a means to give back to an organization that helps survivors of human trafficking turn their lives around,” said Chef Brafford.

While Freedom a la Cart currently operates as a food cart and catering business, representatives at the event stated that their next goal is to raise enough funding to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant that will allow them to expand their program to assist more victims with more opportunities to hire, and to reach a larger audience of customers.

For more information, visit www.freedomalacart.org.

Photos provided by Freedom a la Cart.