*** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ***
In Plain Sight Dinner Raises Awareness and Funds for Human Trafficking Victims
February 20, 2017
RICHMOND, VA – On Wednesday, March 21, Chef Brittanny Anderson, owner of Brenner Pass, Chairlift and Metzger Bar & Butchery, will be joined by women from Virginia cideries to host a special pairing dinner to raise awareness and funds in support of women working without pay as forced laborers in the hospitality industry. According to Chef Anderson, “I wanted to give back to other women in a meaningful way during Women’s History Month.”
In addition to a five-course menu prepared by James Beard-nominated Chef Anderson, participants will hear from John Richmond, founder of the Human Trafficking Institute. Attendees will learn about the Institute’s work to prosecute and convict people who force others to work without pay in restaurants, hospitality venues, and related businesses. Attendees will also receive information about how to spot signs of individuals being trafficked and properly notify authorities. Richmond notes, “Many people think of trafficking in a narrow way. Forced labor and coercion exist because traffickers don’t get caught when the rest of us people don’t see and act on what is right in front of us.”
Virginia ciders will be poured and provided by:
Diane Flynt, founder/owner of Foggy Ridge Cider (Dugspur)
Charlotte and Anne Shelton, founder/owner and general manager of Albemarle CiderWorks (North Garden)
Sarah Showalter and Kelli Stover, founder/owner and sales/distribution manager of Old Hill Cider (Timberville)
Lori Corcoran, founder/owner of Corcoran Vineyards (Waterford)
Courtney Mailey, founder/owner of Blue Bee Cider (Richmond)
Liza Cioffi, founder/owner of Courthouse Creek Cider (Maidens)
Sarah Collins-Simmons, operations manager of Big Fish Cider Co. (Monterey)
Diane Flynt of Foggy Ridge Cider notes, “In the Virginia cider industry, we are fortunate to have many talented women in leadership and ownership roles. This is an opportunity to bring our values into our work.” Courtney Mailey of Blue Bee Cider wants to participate in the dinner to “bring awareness about the need for equity in other corners of the hospitality and agriculture industries. HTI takes it step further and helps break the cycle.”
The event will be held at Blue Bee Cider (1320 Summit Ave., Richmond) from 6:00 to 9:00 pm and is limited to 50 people. Tickets are on sale now at $85 per person, with proceeds benefiting the Human Trafficking Institute.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit bluebeecider.com.
###
The Human Trafficking Institute exists to decimate modern slavery at its source by empowering police and prosecutors to stop traffickers. Working inside criminal justice systems, the Institute provides the embedded experts, world-class training, investigative resources, and evidence-based research necessary to free victims.
Chef Brittanny Anderson is a 15-year veteran of the restaurant industry. She is the Executive Chef and co-owner of Metzger Bar and Butchery and co-owner of Brenner Pass, both in Richmond, Virginia. She trained at the French Culinary Institute in New York City under Master Chefs Jacques Pepin, Andre Soltner, and Alain Sailhac. After graduating at the top of her class, Brittanny worked in some of New York City’s best kitchens, most notably Blue Hill at Stone Barns and Northern Spy Food Company.
