The battle against human trafficking is difficult and continual. North Star Initiative is seeking help to carry on the fight.

It is that mission that is really at the heart of North Star Initiative's annual Tapas Shindig. This year's fundraising, awareness raising and relationship building event will be presented on Friday, Oct. 20, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Foundry48, 100 W. Millport Road, Lititz.

The event will begin with networking, a silent auction, tapas and mocktails, followed by a program and live auction, before concluding with dessert and coffee.

The theme for the event is "Light Up the Night. - Together we can illuminate the path to a brighter future for survivors of sex trafficking."

"A lot of people ask me, 'What can I do? I want to get involved,'" said North Star Initiative executive director Melinda Clark. "This is the time to come and get involved. It's also partnering together to form a community where trafficking is unimaginable, where trafficking doesn't exist. We encourage people to find their place in the battle. It's a massive battle, but the battle is winnable. Want to know where to start? This is it."

Tapas is a food trend that originated in Spain and involves serving a variety of appetizers and small servings. The evening's ambiance will be enhanced by live music.

"The food is delicious, and it's just one of the fun aspects of the evening," said Clark. "We're gathering with good people over good food for a good cause. It's a feel of friends getting together to enjoy each other's company. ... It builds its own synergy when people connect around the cause."

Clark is expected to address the gathering about North Star Initiative's purpose, the work it has already accomplished and the struggles that lie ahead.

"I'll have a chance to share North Star's mission and vision to end trafficking and supporting those lives that have been affected by it," said Clark. "I want to talk about how our common experiences can help the challenges our survivors face. People think it's happening just overseas, but it's not. It's also happening here in Lancaster County. It's the perfect opportunity to get an update on the state of it."

North Star Initiative is planning for 200 people to attend Tapas Shindig. This year's goal is to raise $200,000 for the mission, $25,000 more than was donated in 2022.

This year will mark North Star Initiative's fifth edition of Tapas Shindig. Last year's event was conducted at The Junction Center in Manheim.

Located in Lititz, North Star Initiative was founded in 2010. It began through an undercover collaboration with law enforcement.

To register for the Tapas Shindig go to http://www.northstarinitiative.org/upcoming-events.