Cedar & Lily Clothier and Rise Soufflé are set to host Project Galentine, a benefit evening aimed at supporting The Demand Project, a US-based non-profit organisation focused on preventing child trafficking and ending sexual exploitation within local communities. The event will take place in Tulsa, Oklahoma, bringing together women-led businesses, supporters and advocates for a cause that continues to draw increased attention from both the charitable and commercial sectors.
Project Galentine has been designed as a purpose-driven gathering, combining a premium dining experience with fundraising and awareness-raising initiatives. All proceeds from the evening will directly benefit The Demand Project’s prevention education and survivor support programmes, which have expanded significantly in recent years as demand for services continues to grow.
The Demand Project reported notable progress throughout 2025, having educated more than 5,000 adults and children on how to recognise and avoid predators, both in person and online. This work reflects a broader shift among non-profits towards proactive prevention strategies, particularly as online platforms play an increasingly central role in everyday life. Alongside its educational outreach, the organisation also marked the graduation of two young survivors from its 23-step, two-year Journey Freedom Program, delivered on the campus of Mount Arukah. At the same time, four additional residents were welcomed into the programme, underscoring the sustained need for long-term, residential support services.
Project Galentine has been positioned as both a celebration of this progress and a mechanism to help fund the organisation’s next phase of growth. According to event organisers, The Demand Project currently faces a growing waiting list for its campus-based programme. Additional funding generated through the event will support staff expansion and enable more survivors to access a safe, structured and long-term healing environment.
The evening itself has been carefully curated to reflect the collaborative ethos behind the initiative. Guests will be treated to a seated dinner prepared by Rise Soufflé, a Tulsa-based dining destination known for its refined approach to comfort cuisine. The meal will conclude with the restaurant’s signature dessert soufflé, a centrepiece designed to elevate the dining experience. Throughout dinner, live music by Off The Record will provide an understated backdrop, aligning with the event’s focus on connection and conversation rather than spectacle.
General admission tickets include two glasses of wine and a glass of champagne, reinforcing the event’s positioning as an upscale yet accessible social occasion. Organisers have also sought to ensure inclusivity by offering discounted student tickets, which provide access to all elements of the evening except alcoholic beverages.
Retail, community engagement and fundraising converge
Following dinner, attendees will be invited to shop at Cedar & Lily Clothier, where personal stylists will be available to guide guests through curated collections. In a move that blends retail engagement with cause-driven branding, guests will also have the opportunity to customise an exclusive Project Galentine sweatshirt, available for purchase on the night. Each attendee will receive a swag bag containing a selection of curated items, further integrating local businesses into the fundraising effort.
The programme will also include a special message from The Demand Project, offering attendees insight into the organisation’s work and its future priorities. In addition, guests will have the opportunity to enter a raffle for a grand prize, a common fundraising mechanism designed to encourage participation while increasing overall contributions.
Two dinner seatings have been scheduled, at 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., allowing organisers to accommodate demand while maintaining the quality of the experience. Tickets are limited and are expected to sell out, reflecting both the popularity of the host brands and the growing public engagement with issues surrounding human trafficking prevention.
For Cedar & Lily Clothier and Rise Soufflé, Project Galentine represents more than a single evening of fundraising. It highlights a broader trend within the business community, where independent retailers and hospitality operators are leveraging their platforms to support social causes while strengthening customer relationships. As consumers increasingly favour brands that demonstrate social responsibility, events such as this illustrate how commercial success and community impact can align.
Tickets and further information are available via the official campaign page at https://app.giveffect.com/campaigns/43297-project-galentine.
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