Hospitality event raises nearly $13,000 for Safe House Project

Hospitality technology leaders raised $12,984 during HITEC 2026’s Charity Poker Night in support of Safe House Project, a nonprofit serving survivors of human trafficking. The event brought together TraknProtect, RUCKUS Networks, HFTP and industry partners, with organizers hoping to turn the fundraiser into an annual HITEC tradition.

Why it matters: - The fundraiser sent nearly $13,000 to Safe House Project, a nonprofit focused on survivor identification, emergency services, safe housing and long-term support. - The event showed how the hospitality industry can turn a trade show gathering into direct financial support for anti-trafficking work. - Safe House Project said the money helps survivors escape exploitation and connect with critical resources.

What happened: - Hospitality leaders gathered during HITEC 2026 in Chicago for the first official 2nd annual Charity Poker Night. - TraknProtect and RUCKUS Networks hosted the event with support from HFTP and hospitality industry partners. - The night raised $12,984 for Safe House Project through donations, tournament buy-ins, silent auction contributions and sponsorships. - Organizers described the event as a first-year success and said they want to grow it into an annual HITEC tradition.

The details: - Safe House Project said the organization uses programs like Simply Report to help bridge awareness and action. - The nonprofit said Simply Report creates pathways for people to safely report potential trafficking situations and connect victims with resources. - Brittany Dunn, COO and co-founder of Safe House Project, said the hospitality community’s generosity at HITEC helped survivors escape exploitation. - Parminder Batra, CEO of TraknProtect, said the company’s safety mission extends beyond technology and into community support. - TraknProtect said the event reflected the hospitality industry’s willingness to protect, support and care for people. - Safe House Project is a national nonprofit dedicated to combating human trafficking and supporting survivors across the United States. - The organization said it also funds and expands a nationwide network of safe homes to help survivors heal and rebuild independence. - Simply Report is a free app for reporting suspected human trafficking. - The app is available on the App Store and Google Play, and reports can also be filed online at Simply Report or by calling 1-833-5-BESAFE.

Between the lines: - HFTP hopes to make Charity Poker Night an official annual HITEC event, which would give the fundraiser a recurring platform and a built-in audience of hospitality decision-makers. - The event’s mix of networking and philanthropy suggests anti-trafficking giving can fit naturally into industry conferences, not just standalone charity galas. - Batra said the event began as an informal night of poker with friends, signaling room for the fundraiser to grow beyond its first formal outing.

What's next: - Organizers will look to build on attendee and sponsor support ahead of a possible return at future HITEC conferences. - HFTP is expected to decide whether to formalize Charity Poker Night as an annual HITEC event. - Safe House Project will continue using donations and reporting tools to expand survivor support and trafficking intervention.