Most costume parties are more sequins and face paint than substance. But not when they’re hosted by Rotarians.

Nineteen Rotary clubs in Maine and New Hampshire sponsored Dress Up to Drive Out Human Trafficking at One Longfellow Square in Portland, with proceeds benefiting Voices4Freedom and the Preble Street Anti-Trafficking Coalition.

Party-goers dressed as George and Martha Washington – who would have been dismayed by the frank discussion – and a cast of other characters.

And they paused mid-party to listen to Dee Clark, founder of Survivors Speak, talk about growing up as a teen in Maine being pimped out, day after day, for eight years.

“Today, just around the corner, down the street, I have friends who still do this today in Portland,” Clark said. “Women are belittled all the way through this whole ordeal.… I didn’t really get help until I was an adult, and my hope is that women today will get help sooner.”

Clark talked about the needs of women coming out of “the life,” from safe houses to health care.

“There are things you can do every day or not do every day to make the world a better place,” said Meg Elam, deputy district attorney for Cumberland County. She urged party attendees to advocate against anyone paying for sex or frequenting strip clubs. And, as Rotary clubs raising money to defeat sex trafficking, to think big.

“Tonight is bringing awareness that this is really happening here,” said Israel Collins, who is starting the provisional Saco Bay Sunset Rotary Club. “So many people are unaware that it’s happening in their backyard. These women think they can’t leave because they get addicted to drugs. It’s a horrible scene.”

“It’s got to be heard,” said Michael O’Neal, a former police officer starting a nonprofit called Keeping Kids Safe. “Parents need to be aware of the dangers their kids are exposed to every day through the Internet.”

Rotary clubs have long been known for providing polio vaccines around the world. More than a decade ago, Rotarians immunizing children in India encountered a center for children rescued from slavery. From that encounter, the Rotarian Action Group Against Child Slavery grew.

“We want to make a difference here and in the world,” said Sheila Robbins, district governor of Rotary District 7780.

This first event of its type, Rollins said, was “collaboration at its best.”

Amy Paradysz is a freelance writer and photographer based in Scarborough. She can be reached at:

amyparadysz@gmail.com