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IRVINE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 3, 2024 / Allied Universal®, the world’s largest security and facility services provider, announced that Global Chairman and CEO Steve Jones, along with his wife Stacy Jones, raised approximately $2.7 million at their annual August fundraiser to support Vera’s Sanctuary. The organization provides licensed drug treatment and rehabilitation services for human trafficking victims aged 15 to 26.
“While there are nearly 30,000 facilities across the U.S. for individuals struggling with substance abuse, homelessness, or domestic violence, there is only one licensed residential drug treatment center specifically for human trafficking victims, and it’s located just miles from our global headquarters in Orange County,” said Steve Jones. “Stacy and I host this charity event each year to bring attention to the critical issue of human trafficking, with all funds going directly to Vera’s Sanctuary.”
This year’s event, named “Hot Summer Nights,” was attended by over 650 guests and supported by nearly 100 sponsors. The highlight of the evening was a performance by music legends Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, who performed alongside the Orange County School of the Arts choir. Together, Benatar and Giraldo have produced multi-platinum and gold albums, achieved numerous Top 40 hits, and won four consecutive GRAMMY® awards. In 2022, they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
The 2024 event raised a record-breaking $2.7 million, surpassing the previous year’s total of $1.9 million. Over the past five years, the Joneses’ fundraiser has generated more than $7.4 million for Vera’s Sanctuary.
Vera’s Sanctuary offers residents 30 hours of therapeutic services weekly, along with essential support such as food, clothing, medical care, psychiatric services, and prenatal care. The sanctuary also provides educational instruction, vocational training, internships, job placement, and even an automobile gift program. There is no maximum length of stay, allowing each woman to heal at her own pace. Since its opening in 2018, the sanctuary has helped rehabilitate over 600 women.
About Allied Universal
Allied Universal® is the world’s leading security and facility services provider, trusted by over 400 of the FORTUNE 500 companies. Operating in more than 100 countries, Allied Universal is the third-largest private employer in North America and seventh globally, generating annual revenue of more than $20 billion. The company is dedicated to serving and safeguarding customers, communities, and people worldwide. For more information, visit www.aus.com.
