WTVQ: Feast for Freedom initiative underway to benefit The Well of Lexington

“LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The non-profit group The Well of Lexington has partnered with several local businesses for a fundraiser called Feast for Freedom.

‘Some people are still hesitant,’ Hesitant to eat inside a restaurant.

That’s why many, like J. Renders Southern Table and Bar in Lexington adapted by offering curbside pickup, outdoor dining in tents, among other things.

‘The most important thing about supporting a small business is they usually have every single thing they own on the line,’ J. Renders co-owner Gwyn Everly said.

She said every restaurant is struggling due to the pandemic, so community support goes a long way.

That’s where The Well of Lexington comes in. The non-profit created ‘Feast for Freedom’ restaurant week.

A portion of proceeds from participating restaurants goes to The Well, which is raising awareness about human trafficking.

‘What we wanted to do was something that was mutually beneficial for both of us. It’s something I want to raise awareness, I want to get out into the community. Also, I want to support my community,’ Executive Director of The Well of Lexington Eileen Levy said.

The Well of Lexington provides safe housing, recovery support, education, and healing for women and their families exploited by sex trafficking, which is a big business.

‘It’s a 32 billion dollar industry. It’s second behind the drug trade. If I can sell you a drug once, you’re going to use it and be done with it. humans are reusable commodities,’ Levy said.

Patrons can dine-in, carry out or do delivery. The fundraiser runs from Jan. 23 until Jan. 30.

The restaurants participating include; Favor, GirlsGirlsGirls Burritos, East End Tap & Table, Alfalfas, Bear & The Butcher, Doodles, J. Renders, Gus’s Chicken, and The Mousetrap.

If you visit at least three of the participating restaurants this week you’ll be entered to win a grand prize which is more than $650 in gift cards to 20 other area businesses.

The fundraiser takes place during January which is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

For more information about the initiative, click HERE.”