'Stop the Dam Traffic' 5K, barbecue contest raise funds, awareness of human trafficking (2024)

JOHNSON LAKE — Traffic Stop: Voices Against Human Trafficking partnered with Canyon Lake Brewing Company to host a fundraiser Saturday aimed at raising both funds and awareness for anti-human-trafficking initiatives.

The event brought together community members, volunteers and local organizations in an effort to address this pressing issue.

The six-hour event began with a 5K race aptly titled “Stop the Dam Traffic,” which took place across the Johnson Lake Dam.

Organizers had secured permission to close the roadway to motor vehicles for about two hours, allowing participants to walk or run the course safely.

The 5K race attracted participants of all ages. The course, which included Johnson Lake Drive and the Paul Masson Trail, offered participants scenic views of Johnson Lake, nearby boats and chalk artwork on the sidewalks. The race not only served as a physical challenge but also as a symbolic gesture against the figurative traffic of human exploitation.

Participants were treated to snacks, including bananas, cookies and other refreshments, upon returning to Canyon Lake Brewing Company.

Within the Canyon Lake Brewing Company, community members had the opportunity to purchase copies of “Traffic Stop: Human Division” by Stacey L. Cahill and “Reclamation” by Lisa Clonch Traschauner, providing valuable resources on topics related to human trafficking.

These books offer insights into the realities of human trafficking and guidance on how to respond if one is a victim or a bystander.

Cahill’s book, “Traffic Stop: Human Division,” was particularly highlighted during the event. In her discussion, Cahill explained that the book targets a diverse audience, including women, children and various racial groups. She emphasized that anyone, regardless of background, could be at risk of human trafficking.

Approximately an hour before the Pitmaster BBQ contest began, Cahill and Lisa Molina of Traffic Stop: Voices Against Human Trafficking delivered a presentation focusing on the alarming human trafficking rates in Nebraska, with Lexington ranking as the fifth-highest in the state. They identified key vulnerabilities contributing to these high rates, including language barriers, poverty and undiagnosed trauma.

The presenters emphasized the urgent need for better education and resources, particularly for children. They discussed the importance of recognizing grooming tactics and the prevalence of online solicitation, which often serves as a gateway for traffickers to exploit vulnerable individuals.

Molina compared the necessity of teaching children about online safety and grooming to conducting drills for other emergencies, such as tornadoes and active shooter situations.

Cahill further elaborated on the content of her book during the presentation, stressing the universal risk of human trafficking. She said the book addresses various audiences and aims to equip them with the knowledge needed to protect themselves and others from trafficking.

To make their points more tangible, the presenters conducted a role-play scenario, demonstrating how traffickers can groom potential victims through seemingly innocent online conversations.

The role play illustrated the subtle and crafty nature of grooming, which often begins with casual, non-threatening interactions that gradually escalate into more manipulative and dangerous exchanges.

Following the presentation, Cahill and Molina allowed community members to ask questions about human-trafficking prevention and the available resources.

The discussion covered topics such as recognizing the signs of human trafficking in body language and understanding how to intervene safely.

The event concluded with a Pit Master BBQ contest, which added a festive and positive atmosphere to the fundraiser. Community members had signed up in advance to showcase their culinary skills, presenting dishes such as brisket, pork and various other foods. Attendees were invited to sample the offerings and vote on their favorite dishes in different categories.

As the barbecue contest unfolded, attendees, many dressed in their Nebraska Cornhusker gear, were encouraged to participate in a raffle. The raffle featured a variety of prizes, including headbands, BBQ knives, Canyon Lake Brewing Company attire and other items.