The organization will present art, with proceeds going to the Valley Against Sex Trafficking

Arise, Artists Stand Against Sex Trafficking, will host its first major event of the year on Friday, March 21, to raise awareness of sex trafficking in the Lehigh Valley. The event, which will be free and open to anyone above the age of 18, boasts a diverse selection of artists from the Lehigh Valley, including musical groups, artists and jewelers.

Taking place at Legacy Christian Church, 5925 W. Tilghman Street, Allentown, PA, the event will begin at 6:00 p.m., with the live music beginning at 6:30, and will run until 11:00 p.m.

The event has been described as an “all arts” event, with various forms of artwork present. Some of the evening’s musical guests will include local bands such as Phoenixville’s Pompton Lakes, Bethlehem’s Voirvoir, and Philadelphia’s Nathan Earl & Rachel Joy. The event will also feature live artwork from the likes of Lehigh Valley Art Wars finalists Justin Stewart and Alexander Clare, and will also feature jewelry from local artists.

“We felt the arts was a great way to bring the community together,” said Justin Arnold, Community Life Pastor at Legacy Christian Church. “This is a great way to gain momentum and support to fight against sex trafficking. It’s real and in the Lehigh Valley.”

The proceeds of the event will go to the Valley Against Sex Trafficking (VAST). Arise’s November event for the organization raised roughly $500 for the organization and hosted roughly 200 guests. Arnold said that he hopes to see those numbers double this year.