EASTON, PA — October 8, 2026 — Bloom will host its 4th Annual Freedom Benefit Dinner on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Lehigh University’s Iacocca Center. The evening will bring together community members and supporters to raise critical funds for Bloom’s mission of providing sanctuary and a continuum of care to heal, empower, and employ survivors of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation.

This year’s keynote speaker is Becca Stevens, founder and president of Thistle Farms, a Nashville-based organization dedicated to helping women survivors heal and rebuild their lives. Bloom is a sister community of Thistle Farms, making Stevens’ participation especially meaningful to the organization and its supporters.

A nonprofit leader, entrepreneur, priest, survivor, and author, Stevens brings three decades of experience in mission-driven work. She has founded 13 nonprofits and justice enterprises, mentored another 70, and raised more than $90 million to support their work. She has authored 12 books and served as chaplain at St. Augustine’s Chapel on Vanderbilt University’s campus for nearly 35 years.

Stevens has been featured on PBS NewsHour, the Today Show, CNN, and ABC World News. Named a CNN Hero and a White House Champion of Change, she also holds seven honorary doctorates. Her message centers on the belief that love is the strongest force for change in the world—a message closely connected to Bloom’s work with survivors in the Lehigh Valley.

The event is graciously hosted by Olav and Gina Sandnes for the fourth year. Funds raised through the Freedom Benefit Dinner will help sustain Bloom’s residential programs, survivor services, and employment opportunities, providing women with the safety, support, and resources they need as they move toward healing and independence.

Bloom gratefully recognizes the sponsors whose generosity makes this year’s event possible:

Visionary Sponsors: The Topper Foundation; Oceana Health; Bill & Denise Spence; J.B. & Kathleen Reilly

Builder Sponsors: Russ & Roberta Lay; Stark Financial; Sharon & Roland Yoshida

Sustainer Sponsors: Affiliated Financial Planners; Bob Scott Kitchens

Partner Sponsors: Carol Gray; First Northern Bank & Trust; Gregory & Kristina Barkey; Hill I Fenstermaker LLC; Allan & Elise Fischer; James & Denise Jacobsen; TL Solutions

Friend Sponsor: PNC Bank

For information about attending or supporting the Freedom Benefit Dinner, click here. For photos and graphics, visit: Link to Photos & Graphics

Bloom for Women, Inc. is a faith-based nonprofit providing sanctuary and a continuum of care to heal, empower, and employ survivors of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. Based in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, Bloom offers emergency response, residential programs, outreach services, and prevention education. Survivors also gain job training and employment through Bloom’s workforce development initiatives, including the PA 211 Fellowship Program and social enterprises such as Bloom Creative Studio, My Sister’s Closet, and Grounds for Restoration Coffee. Bloom is a sister community of the nationally recognized Thistle Farms program in Nashville. Learn more at www.bloomforwomen.org.

Information provided to TVL by:
Karen Higgins