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Thinifi, a telemedicine company founded by Christina Camacho-Schmits that specializes in weight loss and management, is partnering with Destiny Rescue to host the first-ever Freedom Cup Golf Tournament, a day-long fundraising event aimed at raising awareness and support in the fight against child trafficking. The tournament will take place on November 10 at Braelinn County Club in Peachtree City.
Destiny Rescue is a global organization on a mission to rescue children from sexual exploitation and human trafficking. Through this event, Thinifi and Destiny Rescue hope to not only raise money to help save more victims, but to also honor the local heroes who have fought trafficking on local and global scales.
Camacho-Schmits, a former Junior League member of ten years, was first exposed to the issue of human trafficking when she was 22. Her understanding deepened when she discovered that a girl who lived in her upper-middle class neighborhood in Miami had been trafficked. This revelation brought her to the realization that human trafficking can happen anywhere.
After connecting with Andi Swan at Destiny Rescue, the two were inspired to join forces- and the idea for the Freedom Cup was born.
“It’s such a tough topic that people don’t want to know or talk about,” said Camacho-Schmits. “But if you don’t talk about it, it doesn’t upset you enough to make you want to make a difference.”
One of the event’s organizers, Erin Farber, a former SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) in Omaha, Nebraska, bring firsthand experience to the cause.
“We saw victims in horrible shape-it really was terrifying,” said Farber. “It is so rewarding to see people wanting to make a difference.”
Destiny Rescue currently operates in 16 project nations with support from four funding nations, rescuing an average of 17-19 children each day. They are partnering locally with Wellspring Living, an organization that provides housing and support services to survivors as they transition out of trafficking.
“There’s children that are still trapped and exploited,” said Swan. “Watching people step into their calling to help is extremely rewarding to me. The more people step forward, the more encouraged to help others become.”
It costs $1,500 to rescue one child, and the Freedom Cup hopes to raise $30,000, enough to help save 20 children.
While Destiny Rescue will collect funds, items will be accepted for both Wellspring Living and local police stations as well. These donations are meant to bring care, dignity, and comfort to survivors and others in crisis. The items needed include:
Personal Care Items (New, Full Size Preferred)
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Body wash & soap
- Toothbrushes & toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Feminine hygiene products (pads, tampons)
- Hair brushes & combs
- Lotion & face wash
- Razors & shaving cream
- Lip balm
- Towels & washcloths
Clothing & Accessories (New or Gently Used – Teen & Plus Sizes Welcome)
- T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts
- Jeans, leggings, sweatpants
- Jackets & coats (seasonal)
- Socks (new only)
- Underwear & bras (new only)
- Pajamas
- Hats, gloves, scarves
- Fuzzy blankets
School & Art Supplies
- Backpacks
- Notebooks, folders, binders
- Pens, pencils, highlighters
- Calculators
- Art supplies (sketchbooks, markers, colored pencils)
Books & Learning Materials
- YA fiction novels
- Journals or diaries
- Educational games
Activities & Recreation
- Board games & card games
- Craft kits & hobby items
- Sports equipment (balls, jump ropes, etc.)
- Headphones
Teddy Bears
- These will be given to police departments to have in squad cars as a comfort item during tragic events.
Donation drop-offs will be available on September 1st at the following locations:
- Encore Interiors
266 S Peachtree Pkwy #200, Peachtree City, GA 30269
- Morgan’s Jewelry
1485 GA-34 SUITE A-12, Newnan, GA 30265
- Lisa’s Creperie (Teddy Bears Only)
48 Main St #1B, Senoia, GA 30276
- Braelinn Country Club
500 Clubview Dr, Peachtree City, GA 30269
- Pure 180 Home (Teddy Bears Only)
305 Trilith Pkwy #370, Fayetteville, GA 30214
Morgan’s Jewelry will make the event’s awards, and Peachtree City Mayor Kim Learnard will present the honorees. Special guest Asher Allen, a former NFL player, will join Mayor Learnard in announcing the awards. The main recognition, the Guardian of Freedom Award, will go to a local hero who has invested decades into fighting human trafficking and supporting survivors. Additionally, the collected items from the drop-off locations will be presented during the awards ceremony.
Camacho-Schmits hopes to see representatives from multiple surrounding police departments, with departments in Fayette and Coweta counties already expressing interest.
Participation for this event is welcome to all. Those interested in golfing in the tournament can register as a single player for $125 or as a group of four for $500. For those wanting to volunteer or be a sponsor of the event should reach out to the Freedom Cup team at [email protected]. Additional information can be found on the event page on Facebook.
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