Bothell High’s advanced leadership class is hosting a benefit dessert and silent auction to raise money and awareness for human trafficking from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Jan. 9 in the school commons.

Dr. Frank Grijalva, Overlake High principal, will be the guest speaker.

In 2001, Grijalva and his students sponsored a school in Cambodia to keep girls in school as a means to escape being trafficked.

After visiting the school in 2003, after construction was completed, the school became further involved. They funded a teacher for the school, and sent books and built a playground.

In 2007, they decided to assist a school in Ghana, as well.

Grijalva and his students’ experiences were documented in the national bestseller “Half the Sky” by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn.

Bothell High’s culinary class will make desserts for the event, which will benefit the International Justice Mission (IJM).

According to its Web site, IJM’s first priority in its casework is immediate relief for the victim of the abuse being committed. The organization also seeks to hold perpetrators accountable for their abuse in their local justice systems.

IJM aftercare staff and trusted local aftercare partners work to ensure that victims of oppression are equipped to rebuild their lives and respond to the complex emotional and physical needs that are often the result of abuse.