• Mrs. Star Valley has organized the event, which will help victims of human trafficking

Rowena Buehler, who is currently serving as Mrs. Star Valley, has organized a fundraising event to benefit Libertas International in the fight against human trafficking. The community is invited to enjoy food vendors, bounce houses, a photo booth, games, and a putting contest on Friday, June 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Carpets Plus Color Tile in Thayne.

Buehler’s respect for the work performed by Libertas International runs deep after attending an assembly several years ago while in high school. Libertas’ founder, Tyler Schwab, explained to the students during that assembly that there are millions of individuals throughout the world who are trafficked and exploited sexually, as well as for other purposes.  Buehler was struck by the horror of such a condition in the world.

“When I was trying to figure out my platform [as Mrs. Star Valley], I wanted to do something that I knew was really important and that a lot of people could get on board with and support,” Buehler explained. “That’s why I chose advocating against human trafficking because there are literally millions of victims and survivors of this horrific industry.”

Buehler has chosen to partner with Libertas International in their goal to raise $25,000 to fund a visit to the United Nations where they hope to bring awareness to the enormous human trafficking industry in Latin America.  Unfortunately, some Americans visit Latin American countries as tourists with specific plans of trafficking and victimizing Latin American women and children. Libertas International works diligently to rescue survivors and to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

Libertas has achieved significant intervention as they work to bring justice for survivors. Folks who attend the benefit event on Friday can rest assured that 100 percent of the money raised will go directly to the ground level in assisting the survivors of human trafficking that Libertas rescues and supports.

“It’s quite incredible,” said Buehler. “I actually had the opportunity to meet a survivor. She came all the way from Columbia to speak at a conference in Florida and she ended up coming to Star Valley. It really blew me away because she was just so strong and wise and kind.  One of the first things she did was thank me for just caring about her story and wanting to be a voice for survivors like her. When you donate to Libertas, that money goes straight to those survivors, to help these survivors create a new life. They’re trying to help them heal from truly traumatic experiences.”

LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH ROWENA BUEHLER HERE –

Buehler spoke of a trip that Miss Wyoming, Adelaide Roberts, and her family, took to Columbia in support of the women and children who are part of the Libertas Family.

“They had a list of survivors that needed sponsorships,” she said. “They needed honestly, anything, like diapers or formula or they needed books because they’re going to school. They needed fabric because they’re a seamstress and they’re starting a business. All of those donations go straight to a survivor in order to help them. Whether that’s with their basic needs or with helping them start a new life. I think that’s really important.”

Food vendors scheduled for the event include The Wok and The Crepe place. “We’re going to have lots of options for food and cornhole. There’s going to be a putting contest. We’re going to have bounce houses and give out prizes. There’s going to be drinks and awesome music. It’ll just be a really nice day to get out and have a good time.” Swift 98 will also be on-site for live remote coverage of the event.

Buehler is preparing for the Mrs. Wyoming competition scheduled for June 22 in Cody where judges will evaluate her in a panel interview, as well as an evening gown and swimsuit modeling, and a question that she will answer on stage during the pageant.

“There’s so much preparation, a lot more preparation than I originally had expected,” Buehler admitted. “It’s not just pretty dresses and tiaras. You have to really know yourself and you have to be really confident in that person and just really comfortable being so vulnerable with complete strangers.”

To learn more about Libertas International, please visit libertasinternational.org.