Allied Universal® announced that its Global Chairman and CEO Steve Jones and his wife Stacy Jones raised a record-setting sum of more than $3.2 million for Vera’s Sanctuary during their annual August fundraiser.

Vera’s Sanctuary provides licensed drug treatment services for human trafficking victims ranging in age from 15 to 26. The fundraiser, known as Hot Summer Nights, was attended by more than 700 guests and supported by nearly 100 sponsors this year.

“Across the U.S., nearly 30,000 residential care facilities serve people facing addiction, homelessness or domestic violence, yet victims of human trafficking have only one licensed residential drug treatment shelter and it is just miles from our global headquarters in Orange County,” Jones said. “Stacy and I believe this urgent issue deserves far greater attention. That is why we underwrite and host the Hot Summer Nights fundraiser each year to raise awareness and ensure that every dollar raised goes directly to supporting the life-changing work of Vera’s Sanctuary.”

Over the past 10 years, guests, donors and sponsors of the Joneses' Hot Summer Nights fundraiser have raised more than $14.7 million.

Residents of Vera’s Sanctuary receive 30 hours of therapeutic services each week along with food, shelter, clothing, medical care, psychiatric services, prenatal support and transportation. The program also provides educational instruction, vocational training, automobile gift programs, internships and job placement opportunities.

There is no maximum length of stay, allowing each individual to heal at their own pace. Since opening in 2018, Vera’s Sanctuary has provided rehabilitation to more than 600 women.