This Super Bowl Sunday, Tampa’s visitors might bring us more than increased COVID-19 cases. Unfortunately, we might have to worry about traveling sex rings as well.
Studies show that sex trafficking increases up to and during major sporting events like the Super Bowl, and Florida consistently ranks third nationwide in human trafficking cases (not the QAnon brand of sex trafficking either). Rob Canton’s been raising awareness of the issue for a year now via his Project G.O.A.T.
Athletes/Artists + Causes: Big Game Party with a Purpose
Sat. Feb. 6, 1-5 p.m.
Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park, 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa
projectgoat.givesmart.com
Last February, Canton’s Project G.O.A.T. was just beginning. As we walked/drove through his Thonotosassa ranch, Rob told me the story of how a disabled goat named Grady inspired him and his wife Debbie to start a charitable foundation. Grady Goat Foundation’s initial goal was to raise money for children with disabilities through goat yoga.
In 2019, the couple added human trafficking to their list of causes. After reading a blog post about how goats were empowering women in one of the poorest parts of India, the Cantons pondered ways in which they could use their goats to empower women. Thus Project G.O.A.T was born.
The Cantons commissioned Scott Moore to sculpt 55 identical goat sculptures. Next, they recruited several Florida artists to paint and promote the goat sculptures in Tampa Bay.
Project G.O.A.T.’s ultimate goal is to raise awareness of human trafficking in Florida. But the Canton’s are also hoping to raise funds for organizations that fight human trafficking this Saturday at Athletes/Artists + Causes’ Big Game Party with a Purpose.
On Saturday, a $1,000 ticket VIP party takes place at ZooTampa’s Saunders Pavilion. The outdoor pavilion has its own private entrance and is operating at less than 25% capacity due to the pandemic.
All 55 goat sculptures are being auctioned off at the event along with sports memorabilia and additional art from a diverse group of local artists that includes Ya La’ford, Nneka Jones, iBOMS, Nathan Beard and Renato Rampolla. Tom Brady fans can bid on a Brady-signed football and Bucs helmet or on portraits of the beloved quarterback by Carrie Kilgore and Jorge Roldan.
Don’t have an extra $1,000 hiding under the sofa cushions? You can always follow the action on Instagram for free @_projectgoat.
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