In-N-Out Cruise Brings Together Car Lovers to Combat Human Trafficking
A Car Show and Cruise to Support a Good Cause
A car show and cruise featuring 120 vehicles rolled through Huntington Beach on Saturday, January 18, as part of an annual fundraiser put on by In-N-Out Burger’s owner and president Lynsi Snyder-Ellingson and her husband Sean Ellingson. The event, called Cruisin’ 2 Freedom, benefits Slave 2 Nothing, a foundation that combats substance abuse and human trafficking.
A Focus on Human Trafficking
Saturday’s event focused on human trafficking. The Ellingsons usually host a rock show to target addiction in October and this year, In-N-Out is partnering on a Tough Mudder challenge in Big Bear Lake as well.
A Fun Day Out for Car Enthusiasts
The event began at 1 p.m. with a car show at the beach. At 2:40 p.m., a long line of Corvettes, Mustangs, Bel Airs, and other vehicles pulled out of a parking lot at Jack’s Beach Concession and onto Pacific Coast Highway. A half hour later, they began to arrive at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, where drivers and passengers were cheered on by In-N-Out workers. Many of the drivers were also cheering, revving their engines, and sounding their horns.
Meet the Winners
Among the participants were Gregory White and Hilary Roberts White, part-time Orange County residents who had their 1971 SS Chevrolet Chevelle shipped in from their other home in Texas. It was selected as best muscle car in the car show. “I just love supporting causes that help people heal from their traumas,” said Hilary Roberts White, a recording artist who identified herself as a trafficking survivor and has her own foundation, Red Songbird, to promote healing.
A Night to Remember
After the car cruise, the event continued with dinner from a fleet of food trucks and a program in the Hangar with speakers that included Laila Mickelwait, founder and CEO of the Justice Defense Fund, who described her battle to get victims’ videos off of the website Pornhub. Benjamin Nolot, founder and CEO of Exodus Cry, provided an overview of the global sex industry. “I never thought my love for classic cars would intersect with my passion to end human trafficking,” he said.
Conclusion
Through auctions, a raffle, and on-site donations, Cruisin’ 2 Freedom raised $615,099. In-N-Out supports Human Trafficking Awareness Month by putting out canisters in its restaurants, and Slave 2 Nothing matches donations three-to-one. Information: slave2nothing.org
FAQs
* What is Cruisin’ 2 Freedom?
Cruisin’ 2 Freedom is an annual fundraiser hosted by In-N-Out Burger’s owner and president Lynsi Snyder-Ellingson and her husband Sean Ellingson to benefit Slave 2 Nothing, a foundation that combats substance abuse and human trafficking.
* What is the purpose of the event?
The event brings together car enthusiasts and human trafficking survivors to raise awareness and funds to combat human trafficking.
* How much was raised?
Through auctions, a raffle, and on-site donations, Cruisin’ 2 Freedom raised $615,099.
* How can I get involved?
Visit slave2nothing.org for more information on how to get involved and support the cause.
