Southampton - A Gala Fundraiser for The Barnaba Institute, hosted by film and television star Giancarlo Esposito, and Event Chair, Cathy Moriarty, will feature some of Long Island's tastiest, most scrumptious cuisine. Jon Albrecht, executive chef at Tutto Il Giorno will lead a team of Hampton celebrity chefs as they prepare mouth-watering samples of their best fare for Gala attendees. The evening, starting at 6:30 p.m. on October 15, will be held at 230 ELM, in Southampton, a premierE restaurant and event space on Long Island. Tickets for the Fundraiser are $100, fully tax-deductible.

Gala host, actor-director Esposito, long-time supporter of Frank Barnaba's work, is currently starring in TV's multiple-EMMY-winning series, "Breaking Bad." The Event Chair is television and film actress, Moriarty, an Academy Award nominee and co-star of Martin Scorsese's "Raging Bull." Hampton personality, Laurie O'Kunewicz is the Gala Event Coordinator.

In addition to an abundant array of delectable and savory food, there's a well-stocked cash bar, as well as live and silent auctions featuring a variety of elegant, sought-after items. The fun-packed evening also features rousing, night-long entertainment by renowned multi-Grammy award-winning composer and guitarist Brian Keene, along with Tony Aiardo, the acclaimed composer, pianist and vocalist. The popular Scott Hobson Band also performs, while "sound man to the stars," Bob Johnson makes sure the music is delivered at its best.

Another evening highlight is the honoring of Barnaba, founder of The Barnaba Institute, with a "Lifetime Achievement Award." Barnaba Institute "Coalition Awards" will be presented to social worker, Ed Herzberg, and to the Covenant House, life-long supporters of Barnaba and his work. A special honor, the "Follow Your Dream Award" will be given to Shannon Hall, one of the first women saved by Barnaba from a life on the streets.

Barnaba, founder and president of The Barnaba Institute, has worked tirelessly to stop human trafficking and sexual exploitation. He is internationally known for his efforts in recovering runaway and missing children, often working with federal and local law enforcement agencies. Barnaba is a sought-after speaker, lecturer and topic consultant for the media. He is the recipient of many awards, including the Middlesex County Bar Association "Liberty Bell," the Hartford Courant Foundation's "Volunteer of the Year Award," and the "National Victim of Crime Award" presented by President Ronald Reagan.

The mission of The Barnaba Institute is to raise awareness through education and media to the critical and often under-played crisis in human trafficking and sexual exploitation. The Institute provides professional training and courses in working with these victims. The goal of the Gala Fundraiser is to build a "safe house" and provide support, guidance and care to sexually exploited and trafficked children, women and men.

For Gala information contact Kimberly Bon Vecchione, Executive Director, The Barnaba Institute, 203-377-5059, email: Kimberly_bon@yahoo.com, or Laurie O'Kunewicz, Event Coordinator, 631-466-0098, rokunewicz@aol.com.