Rounding up support for his cross-Texas marathon aimed at drawing attention to human trafficking, Houston businessman Jason Arcemont and friends took over Sewell Cadillac on the Katy Freeway and offered guests the opportunity to sponsor links in his 850-mile journey.
He is set to put on his running shoes Oct. 1, starting in El Paso and hitting major cities across the state until he reaches Orange near the Louisiana border. Arcemont's plan is to jog approximately 30 miles a day in 30 days. Along the way, he will meet with shelter workers, local and state politicians and media to spread awareness of the problem.
"It only takes a tiny spark to start a wildfire. We want to get people talking."
When the father of four and head of Brightbox Inc. learned that 300,000 children are enslaved for prostitution annually in the United States, and that Houston is a major hub for human trafficking, Arcemont felt motivated to do something thus he founded the Texas Freedom Run.
On his website, Arcemont explains, "It only takes a tiny spark to start a wildfire. We want to get people talking. Get them informed. Tell them what to look for and who to go to for help."
Joining Arcemont on the program at the Texas Freedom Run event were Houston police officer Charles G. Dunn and Kristian Rose, director of operations and general counsel of Love146, an international human rights organization based in New Haven, Conn.
In addition to the spread put on by Sewell hosts, guests took a look at a plexiglass graphic displaying the topography of Arcemont's route from El Paso to Orange. Also on display were commemorative running shoes, decorated by Houston artist Hanh Tran, that the long-distance runner will wear at the start and finish of his statewide marathon.
Jason Arcemont plans to run from El Paso to Orange in October.
