PEWAUKEE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Big hats, big horses and big fun -- all things the Kentucky Derby, which is happening on May 2nd, is known for.

But here in our hometown, local nonprofit Light Their Way is on a derby-themed mission that goes far beyond the track. 

The organization's second "Off to the Races" gala will be held on that same Saturday in Pewaukee to raise money and awareness to fight human trafficking and sextortion.

Elizabeth Kane, Founder, Light Their Way

Elizabeth Kane founded Light Their Way in 2025 and in the first year, raised $70,000 dollars to support law enforcement and groups working to protect victims.

"We're one of the hubs in the Midwest, so there's a corridor -- Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, Minneapolis falls into that," Kane told CBS 58's Ellie Nakamoto-White. "It does happen in our environments, especially out in the suburbs, a lot of people don't believe this really happens and it can happen in all different areas."

Last year, the Milwaukee Police Department reported 38 human trafficking cases. In 2024, that number was 37.

Kane said in 2025, the FBI-led Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force also made 14 arrests with eight convictions and four sentencings.

"We also wanted to raise money that would help law enforcement with prosecuting predators," Kane said.

Some of their funds went toward getting a specialized electronic detection K9.

"The predators know how to hide things now and so they hide things in walls, and so these dogs are specifically trained to come in and basically walk around the property to find the evidence," Kane said.

Saturday's gala starts at 3:30 p.m. at the Marriott West and will feature games, a silent auction, bids on horses and more before the derby begins later that night. 

"We've just got some amazing auction items and games and it's just going to be so fun, can't wait," said board member Marie Librizzi. "If anyone wants to do anything more, that would be great because again, we really want to try to help as many organizations as we can to help minimize what's going on with human trafficking and sextortion."

Tickets will be available for the next couple of days.

To purchase or to find out more information on the gala, click here.