Members of PINC donated a record $150,000 to anti human-trafficking organization Breaking the Chains this summer. Photo by Ram Reyes

Philanthropy Inspired by the Needs of the Community (PINC) has set a new organizational record for fundraising.

On Tuesday afternoon, PINC surprised Debra Rush, founder of Breaking the Chains, with a total donation of $150,000, which will go towards supporting the remaining construction of a new 24-hour Rescue Center project, and assist in providing food, shelter, education, readiness and preparation, job placement, comprehensive case management, addiction counseling, and numerous forms of therapy.

Breaking the Chains is a local nonprofit dedicated to helping juvenile and adult survivors of human trafficking. Rush herself is also a survivor. 

“We all have heard about human trafficking, but to know and understand this is happening in our own backyard here is terrifying,” said Ashley Webster, president of PINC. “Girls just like me at the age of 33 and as young as 5 years old are getting kidnapped and forced into this nightmare.”

Funds were raised through PINC’s June 22 fundraising event, “PINC-Royale,” which was held at Holy Trinity Armenian Church in Downtown Fresno. This was the 11th event done by this non-profit organization that serves other non-profits. Last year, the organization raised $120,000 for the Valley Children’s Healthcare Oncology/Social Services Family Help Fund. This years it was Breaking the Chains’ turn. Present guests included Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer and Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp.

Webster attributed much of the event’s success to strong sponsor support from local businesses, signature live auction items like trips New Orleans and New York, and support from the community and the hard work of the PINC members. Items up for bid also included “Pinky,” a 10-week-old black Labradoodle who went for $5,500.

“The monies raised by PINC will make so much more than a ripple in the fight to combat human trafficking,” Rush said. “It will make an impact that will be felt for decades to come.”