CLEARWATER, Fla., Oct. 05, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On September 30^th, more than two-hundred supporters of Miracles Outreach, a non-profit organization housing at-risk youth to reduce factors leading to juvenile delinquency, gathered in the Fort Harrison, the Church of Scientology’s International Religious Retreat, to hold their 5th annual “From Runaway to the Runway” Fashion Show and fundraiser.

Miracles Outreach annual “From Runaway to the Runway” Fashion Show fundraiser on September 30th was held in the Historic Fort Harrison, whose current owner, the Church of Scientology, hosts events gratis to non-profit organizations.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b90d4797-5016-4b8e-96dc-33bf65cb1678

“This event is very dear to my heart,” said Robert, one of the guests. “It made me so emotional to see some of those girls who had come from a background of human trafficking to be where they are now. It touches my heart.”

The keynote speaker was the Assistant U.S Attorney, Ms. Stacie Harris, who spoke about how human trafficking and the state of Florida.  Ms Harris said, “Human Trafficking is a devastating human rights violation that takes place not only internationally but also here in the United States,” said Ms. Harris. “It is indeed a form of modern slavery. Traffickers use force, fraud, coercion to enslave their victims where they can exploit them sexually or for other things.”

The highlight of the event was the fashion show, featuring the young survivors of human trafficking. The show was followed by acknowledgments for their key supporters, a raffle with prizes and other fundraisers.

“The Church of Scientology is very proud to host this event and support Miracles Outreach,” said Mr. Dylan Pires, Community Affairs Director for the Church of Scientology in Clearwater. “In 1969 Scientology founder, L. Ron Hubbard, said ‘Human Rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream’ and that is just as true now as it was then.”

For more information about the Fort Harrison or to attend a future event, please call (727) 467-6860, or email dylanpires@churchofscientology.net.

The Fort Harrison Religious Retreat:

Since its construction in 1927, the Fort Harrison in Downtown Clearwater has been the home for many community events and charitable organizations. The Fort Harrison’s current owner, the Church of Scientology, has hosted over 500 community events there since a top-to-bottom restoration in 2009. The Scientology religion was founded by humanitarian and philosopher, L. Ron Hubbard, and incorporated in 1954. To learn more, visit www.scientology.org.

Dylan Pires
727-467-6860