BLUFFTON, INDIANA: – Generous donors at the Forgotten Children Worldwide (FCW), banquet and auction Feb. 28 gave more than $92,000 toward the work of the not-for-profit Christian organization. FCW addresses childhood poverty and child trafficking worldwide while teaching the love of Jesus.

More than 300 patrons and friends of FCW from all over northeast Indiana attended the event. Josh Bleill, community spokesperson, Indianapolis Colts, and corporal, United States Marine Corps, was the keynote speaker. A native of Greenfield, Ind., and graduate of Purdue University, Bleill joined the Marine Corps in 2004, and was activated for a tour of duty in Iraq in 2006. While serving in Iraq, he was severely injured, resulting in the loss of both legs. After extensive rehabilitation, Bleill returned to Indiana in August of 2008, where he attacked his new life head-on, joining the Indianapolis Colts as a motivational speaker. Bleill now travels the country to spread his message of hope, “one step at a time.”

The event was hosted by Tommy Schoegler, director, Parkview Sports Medicine, and former sports director at 21Alive.

Monies raised will be used to fund child trafficking prevention initiatives, build orphan homes and meet the unique needs of orphaned children through holistic care programs.

“The people of our region are blessed with generous hearts. Motivated by the saving Gospel of Jesus, they give to bless and meet the needs of children around the world,” says Matt Hartsell, founder and executive director, FCW. “Whether we’re able to send a shipment of clothing to children without clothes, provide funding to our global partners so they can build orphan homes, or assist in rescuing children as young as ten years old from sex trafficking rings, every donated dollar is used to fight for the oppressed and to respond to Jesus’ call of mercy.”