By LAURA ROBISON

The Progress

The Moapa Valley community came out en masse last weekend to support a worthy cause. The Moapa Valley Operation Underground Railroad (OUR) fundraiser was held on Saturday, August 20 at the Clark County Fairgrounds. It was an event held to raise funds and awareness for the prevention of human trafficking and exploitation. But it was also a family-friendly event with something to offer for all ages.

“This is our third year doing this fundraiser,” said Logandal resident Erika Whitmore, who helped coordinate the event. “A group of us got together in 2019 and we are passionate about helping in the fight to save children from the horrific human traffickers. One hundred percent of the funds raised in this event go directly to the OUR Foundation to provide the tools needed to provide rescue and care for these families.”

About 330 people attended the event and over $8,000 was raised locally for the cause.

The Teen Leadership Corps (TLC) students sell snow cones at the Operation Underground Railroad fundraiser held last Saturday at the Clark County Fairgrounds. Pictured l to r are: Kali Kynaston, Gracie Leavitt, Talon Newsom, Kinsley Mulcock, Emme Bowler and Faith Kelly. PHOTO BY LAURA ROBISON/The Progress

There were many ways in which families could donate. A bake sale offered delicious goodies which had been donated to the event by community members. Volunteers from the Moapa Valley Fire District grilled up the hotdogs for a $5 dinner of dogs, chips and sodas. The 4-H Teen Leadership Corps was selling snow cones to the crowd. Also for sale were T-shirts and bidding on a silent auction with many great items that had been donated by local businesses and individuals.

There was plenty of fun and activities for the youngsters as well. These included bounce houses, water games, kids games and more.

Amy Warburton and Emily Reid were manning the silent auction table.
“There were more donations this year than ever before,” said Warburton. “These items are usually a big hit and they raise a lot of funds.”

Payden and Krista Anderson purchase a pan of cinnamon rolls at the Operation Underground Railroad fundraiser held last Saturday at the Clark County Fairgrounds. PHOTO BY LAUIRA ROBISON/The Progress

The silent auction included mystery bags, baby gift baskets, oral care packages, a spa day basket, USA gift bags, meals from a local food truck, a car care basket, essential oils, a Bosch power drill, a date night basket, a summer fun basket, a metal American flag with the Pledge of Allegiance etched into it, and more. There were even tickets to “Amystika” the newest show from Las Vegas illusionist Criss Angel.

Mike and Bev Qualheim attended the event and said that they had a great time.
“I highly support the OUR organization,” Bev said. “They do terrific things.”
“We all need to be aware of this issue and help where we can,” added Mike.

Kayla Patterson was also at the Fairgrounds with her family. “I have a second-grader and it is my job to keep him safe,” Patterson said. “So of course I would be here to spread the word and donate to this worthy cause . What if this were my child that this was happening to? How could I live with myself if I didn’t do whatever I could to help any child in these terrible situations.”

Harley and Hailey accept winnings for their grandmother Tammy Empey: a USA gift bag with shirt, cap and other goodies, donated by Xtreme Stitch & Print for the silent auction. PHOTO BY LAURA ROBISON/The Progress

Event planning committee members Emily Reid, Amy Warburton, Jamie Burt, Michelle Anderson, Wynette Bodily, Erika Whitmore, Wendy Mulcock, Dianna Walker, Katie Solomon and Sandy Reese all expressed gratitude for all who made the event a success.
“This would not be possible without every single donation and the many, many volunteers who have been planning this for months,” Warburton said.

To make a donation to the OUR foundation, contact Erika Whitmore 702-858-2356 or one of the other committee members. For more information about Operation Underground Railroad visit www.ourrescue.org.