Our Rescue Shines a Light on Sex Trafficking to Mark International Women’s Day
Minneapolis Comedy for a Cause event on March 7 to raise local awareness and resources
to support survivors
Trafficking survivor and stand-up comedian Marti MacGibbon to headline event
MINNEAPOLIS (March 5, 2025) – While boys and men are survivors, most individuals who are trafficked for labor and commercial sex are women and girls. In fact, for every 10 survivors detected globally, five are women and two are girls, according to a 2021 report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. In honor of International Women’s Day, Our Rescue, a global non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to combating sex trafficking and child exploitation, is hosting Comedy for a Cause. The event in Minneapolis aims to raise local awareness and funds to support and empower survivors in the U.S. and around the world.
“Women and girls are disproportionately targeted in sex trafficking crimes, and Our Rescue is shining a light on these heinous crimes to mark International Women’s Day,” said Tammy Lee, CEO of Our Rescue. “Throughout March, we will also spotlight women on the frontlines of this global fight—survivors, law enforcement, survivor care specialists, donors and comedians—and we invite all people to join this mission.”
Comedy for a Cause
Our Rescue’s Comedy for a Cause event, in partnership with Rock What You’ve Got, takes place on March 7, 2025, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Woman’s Club of Minneapolis. The event combines humor and heartfelt performances to raise awareness of the realities of sex trafficking and child exploitation, while inviting attendees to join the fight to arrest predators and empower survivors.
Marti MacGibbon, renowned stand-up comedian and survivor of human trafficking, will headline the event. MacGibbon has advocated for improved mental health support for survivors and survivor-centered policies at the White House, the State Department, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Office for Victims of Crime. Miss Shannon Paul, a Minneapolis-based comedian, will emcee the event, with additional stand-up and musical performances from Minnesota treasures Jearlyn Steele, The Foxgloves and more.
“Together, we are uniting some of the most talented voices in music and comedy to shine a light on the darkness of sex trafficking and child exploitation,” said Tammy Lee, CEO of Our Rescue. “This is not just a single event—it’s a call to action and month-long campaign to lift up women who are on the frontlines of this fight. By joining together, we can put an end to these heinous crimes and empower survivors on their path to hope and healing.”
Sponsored by KNOCK and Spave, event tickets are available for purchase at www.ourrescue.org/events.
The proceeds fund Our Rescue’s support for law enforcement arrests and prosecutions, survivor care, education and advocacy.
- Ticket Prices: $37 general admission, $77 VIP, $129 two VIP tickets
- Date: Friday, March 7, 2025
- Time: Doors open at 5, VIP pre-show reception starts at 5:30, Show 7-9 p.m.
- Location: The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis, 410 Oak Grove St, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Comedy Lineup
- Marti MacGibbon, Event Headliner: MacGibbon is a survivor of human trafficking who has triumphed over homelessness, domestic violence, PTSD and drug addiction. MacGibbon has performed at the world-famous Hollywood Improv and at the Comedy Store in Hollywood and has traveled the U.S. as a professional stand-up comic.
- Miss Shannan Paul | Event Emcee: A versatile performer based in Minneapolis, Miss Shannan Paul delivers hilarious observations on life with a warm and relatable comedic style.
- Mary Jo Pehl | Comedian. A writer, comedian and storyteller, Pehl is best known for the locally produced television series “Mystery Science Theater 3000.”
- Khadijah Cooper | Comedian: A sexuality educator for teens by day, Cooper’s storytelling-style comedy can be seen on stages all over Minnesota.
Music Lineup
- Jearlyn Steele: A powerhouse vocalist and beloved Minnesota treasure, Steele brings her soulful sound and magnetic stage presence to every performance. Known for her work with the band The Steeles and appearances on “Prairie Home Companion,” her talent transcends genres and connects deeply with audiences.
- The Foxgloves: This vibrant all-female Americana band charms with tight harmonies, rich instrumentation and an unmistakable Minnesota charm. The band’s songwriting and energetic performances appeal to fans of feel-good music.
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About Our Rescue
Headquartered in Minneapolis, Our Rescue is a global non-governmental organization on a mission to end sex trafficking and child exploitation by empowering survivors to reclaim their lives and thrive on their healing journey. Founded in 2013, the organization focuses on education toward prevention, supports law enforcement in rescuing survivors and prosecuting perpetrators, and provides trauma-informed survivor care services. Our Rescue operates in the U.S. and 29 countries.