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As of 2025, Pietas Coalition has garnered press intrigue from local news sources. As we duplicate this event in other jurisdictions we will continue our media outreach at both national and local levels. Please email info@pietascoalition.org to request our digital press kit.
Read About Us in Sumter Living Magazine (October 2025)
PRESS RELEASE
Sumter Community Confronts Underage Trafficking Through Awareness Walk at Patriot Park
News Provided By
October 23, 2025, 04:46 GMT
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SUMTER, SC, UNITED STATES, October 22, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The Pietas Coalition Corporation, in coordination with the Attorney General’s anti-trafficking task force, invites the public to join the Communities Against Trafficking Walk-a-Thon, a powerful community event devoted to strengthening awareness, education, and unity in the effort to end underage sex trafficking. The walk will take place at Patriot Park in Sumter, South Carolina, with activities open from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. This is a FREE event that does not require registration.
This family-friendly, inaugural awareness campaign features a half-mile educational walking path lined with QR-coded posters offering safety tips, interactive surveys, and resources for identifying and reporting predatory behavior. Participants will also be invited to sign a community pledge canvas, designed by a Sumter Special Olympics awardee, as a declaration of Sumter County’s collective stand to protect children and promote prevention.
Event Highlights:
Opening ceremony and community introduction
Survivor led pop-up art show (Survivor Network North Carolina)
Surprise guest speakers (pending federal government functionality)
Family-friendly face painting station
Food trucks serving Southern favorites
Moon bounce
Festive music
Wheelchair accessible
“The best defense against exploitation is prevention,” said Eugene Tossany, U.S. military veteran, award-winning author of The Biokovo Code and The Down Syndrome Superhero series, and founder of Pietas Coalition Corporation. “This gathering allows our neighbors to learn, unite, and stand as guardians of the next generation.”
Born out of a surge in missing children during the COVID-19 pandemic, Pietas Coalition integrates advocacy, education, and collaboration with local law enforcement and the Attorney General’s task force, to make communities a safer place for children. The organization’s core initiatives include:
Developing elementary level curricula supporting Erin’s Law and focusing on the disability community.
Hosting military supportive and civilian educational seminars.
Engaging veterans in community defense initiatives.
These programs reflect Pietas Coalition’s mission:
“To promote awareness, vigilance, and community action to end underage sex trafficking in South Carolina through preventative education, veteran engagement, and citizen empowerment.”
Event Information
Event: Communities Against Trafficking Walk-a-Thon
Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST
Location: Patriot Park, Sumter, South Carolina
About Pietas Coalition
Pietas Coalition Corporation is a nonprofit uniting advocates, parents, survivors, and veterans to confront underage sex trafficking through awareness, prevention, and community collaboration. Founded by Eugene Tossany, an award-winning author and U.S. military veteran, the organization partners with government offices, community leaders, and nonprofits to ensure every child grows up safe, seen, and free from fear. Pietas Coalition’s guiding belief is that education and unity form the strongest line of defense against exploitation.
Media Contact
Pietas Coalition Corporation
📞 (210) 468-8525
✉️ info@pietascoalition.org
🌐 pietascoalition.org
📷 Instagram: @pietascoalition | @vetsagainstpeds
🎥 YouTube: youtube.com/@pietascoalition
Pietas Coalition Corp.
+1 210-468-8525
info@pietascoalition.org
FULL PRESS RELEASE HERE: Sumter County Confronts Underage Trafficking Through Awareness Walk at Patriot Park
What Our Contractors Enjoy About Working With Us.
Mela's Bowtique was our WalkaThon face painter (and encourager)
"1. Pietas Coalition provided great communication from the initial inquiry. [Name redacted] made sure I was informed all around, from Yelp to text to email. The communication was always prompt.
2. All questions were clarified and she made sure we were always on the same page.
3. I would recommend anyone to Pietas Coalition. The process was professional and very easy.
There aren’t any take aways from this event. It was a joyous and informative time. [Name redacted] checked on me to make sure I was okay during the entire time of the event and always offered a hand when setting up and breaking down of my equipment."