Local non-profit organization, One Bread, will be partnering with Francesca’s, a women’s clothing boutique, to hold their first community based fashion show this coming Saturday, Nov. 21 to benefit victims of human and sex trafficking in the Bay Area.

CEO David Bernal initially created One Bread with the mission statement of providing opportunities for children from low-income families. From there the idea of helping the “invisible group” of sex trafficking victims no one really knows about – which creates about $100 billion a year in sales of these children –came to fruition.

One Bread has partnered with fellow non-profit organization, A New Day for Children, to cater to these young girls, ages of 10 and 18, who have been victims of human and sex trafficking.

One Bread’s marketing director, Eleanor Grant, said, “It’s a section of the community that isn’t really acknowledged. Children are put into foster care or some organization that doesn’t really provide a nurturing environment. One Bread tries to provide an environment that is more nurturing for these children.”

The idea for the fashion show came about from some of the board members thinking this might be a good initial event for the new organization, who just opened their local location in May.

On partnering with One Bread, Francesca’s manager Natalie James said, “One Bread contacted us and told us about their organization, hoping we could donate clothing. We took it one step further and said we would love to start a fashion show and create a little buzz with the younger crowd. Picking out models, putting together the show, etc.”

All of the clothes, handbags, and jewelry that will be on display are for sale. Attendees would have to go to the actual Francesca’s store to buy anything, however they can put items on hold at the event. Francesca’s will be supplying discount coupons for people who attend.

Grant said, “Hopefully we will go on to do more events to raise awareness and get the community involved. David really wants to focus on these events being fun and lighthearted. Having the events be something more fun and family oriented allows us to engage people without them being bombarded with the actual stories in the events, and encourage them to get involved in their own homes.”

The event takes place at the Pleasant Hill Oak Park Christian Center Nov. 21 at 2 pm. Tickets are free to the first 50 students who contact the event coordinator, Kelly Woo, at [email protected]