Friends of Thai Daughters (FTD), a Boothbay-based nonprofit organization providing education, a safe house, and emotional support to young girls at risk of being trafficked in Northern Thailand, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

Several “daughters” will be in town for the Sunflower Celebration planned for Wednesday, Aug. 12 at the Opera House in Boothbay Harbor. The event will include Thai food, festivities, a fun live auction filled with trips and creative offerings, and entertainment. A VIP reception, hosted by Alison Evans at her new AE Home across the street, will precede the Opera House event.

For more information about the reception and event, email julie@friendsofthaidaughters.org or visit www.friendsofthaidaughters.org.

Over the past decade, FTD has provided education, a safe house and emotional support to over 25 young girls, mostly from the hill tribes of Northern Thailand, bordering Burma and Laos. Many were undocumented, indigenous young women and some were from Burma. Given the opportunity to pursue their dreams, they have graduated college, become employed and are giving back to their communities. This past spring, through the support of Boothbay-based Otto and Fran Walter Foundation, FTD moved into a permanent safe house in Chiang Rai, providing an opportunity to reach up to 15 young girls per year.