We did it! Strike Out Slavery’s first stop of 2019 is in the books, and it was an epic success.

Starting with the pregame Family Festival on the Mets Plaza, we brought vital awareness to 15 percent of the 30,000 Mets fans who attended the game. Event attendees connected with 13 global and six New York-based nonprofit organizations fighting human trafficking. Fans loved the family-friendly activities, the interactive exhibits and the free LED bracelets for the postgame concert. But, more importantly, they received important education from our nonprofit partners who are on the front lines of the battle each day.

Before the first pitch, survivor advocates, leaders from Strike Out Slavery’s global alliance of nonprofits, and reps from New York-based anti-trafficking organizations, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York, took part in an on-field ceremony. Together, we recognized the importance of raising awareness about this pervasive issue, and our collective efforts to fight it.

After the Rockies at Mets matchup, our survivor advocates and Mets second baseman, Robinson Cano, took the stage. Unified, they called the crowd to a higher position – they challenged the thousands of Mets fans to raise their voice for the voiceless. A call that resounded amongst the fans.

Afterwards, the fans flooded the stadium and sang along (how could they not?) to GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter and rapper, Ms. Lauryn Hill. Wearing LED wristbands, fans raised their hands in solidarity on cue; dotting Citi Field with amazing lights! In that moment, a stillness took over. Until Ms. Hill sang “I Get Out,” an inspirational anthem to the human trafficking survivor community. And that’s when Ms. Hill brought down the house!

It was an amazing day and night in New York. We’re looking forward to stop two at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City on August 17 — stay tuned for updates closer to the event!