Thank you.
We know that if you could, you would be joining us tonight for our Mad Hatter Gala. We're sad that we won't be able to be together, but we still have great plans. Right now, we are focusing on the task that is most important: helping survivors of human trafficking who are even more vulnerable during this pandemic. Our phones are being answered 24/7 and we are continuing to serve the survivors in our residential program in a safe way.
Trafficking isn't slowing down and neither is CherishedLA. We understand that some of you are being hit hard and we are praying for you and your families. We have also been immensely grateful for the continued support in the form of prayers, financial support, and volunteer hours that we have received. We need each other to get through this time.
Our focus for this year's Mad Hatter Gala was the importance of not wasting time. While we cannot be physically together today, we are asking you not to wait to partner with us in this important work. The financial support we receive from our monthly partners and donations at the gala help to supply almost 1/3 of CherishedLA's annual operating expenses. We are confident that this can be replaced, but we know we can't do it alone.
We are also asking you to pray. Pray that women continue finding freedom and healing from a life of sexual exploitation and trafficking. Pray that our residents and staff remain healthy. Pray for community awareness of human trafficking and the need for organizations like CherishedLA. We are grateful to each of you for your partnership. Thank you for standing with us.