Watertown’s Fallout Shelter Ministries to Host Intimate Fundraiser for Anti-Trafficking Fight
- Steve Jurrens
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - On Thursday, April 9th, a small building in downtown Watertown will open its doors for an event that aims to make a global impact. Fallout Shelter Ministries is partnering with Daylight United for an exclusive “Dinner and Acoustic Night” to raise funds for the ongoing battle against human trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual assault.
The event, held at the Fallout Shelter’s ministry center at 10 Second Street SE, promises an evening of fine dining and world-class music, limited to just 60 guests. Attendees will enjoy a steak dinner with garlic mashed potatoes and green beans, topped off with a local favorite: Kyle Lallem’s signature chocolate cake from The Local.
Providing the soundtrack for the night is the award-winning band Remedy Drive. Lead singer David Zach and guitarist Dave Moore will perform an intimate acoustic set. For Zach, this mission is personal; he often goes undercover globally to investigate brothels and help rescue victims of human trafficking.
A Partnership for Freedom
Rich Ohm, a former law enforcement officer and a key figure at Fallout Shelter Ministries, emphasized that the collaboration with Daylight United is a natural fit. While Daylight United focuses on global investigations, Fallout Shelter Ministries acts as a “safety net” for the local community.
“Daylight United’s whole purpose is anti-trafficking,” Ohm explained during a recent interview on Northeast Radio SD. “David Zach actually goes undercover and does investigations in brothels in Thailand and around the world. We support them in that, and they support us in what we do here.”
The “Safety Net” of Watertown
Fallout Shelter Ministries has become a multifaceted resource for Watertown and beyond. From training 37,000 people in self-defense across 15 countries to providing emergency housing and Friday night church services, the organization seeks to meet people exactly where they are.
Ohm noted that their philosophy is rooted in addressing fundamental human needs. “We try to help people in that bottom tier of Maslow’s hierarchy,” Ohm said. “Are they safe? Are they hungry? Are they warm? Last summer, we gave away ten tents and sleeping bags to homeless people right here.”
Beyond basic needs, the ministry focuses on long-term transformation. Ohm spoke passionately about the shift from victimization to resilience. “We want to change people from being victims to being survivors. When you’re a victim, your identity is built on that pain. When you’re a survivor, that’s something that happened to me, but it’s not who I am.”
A Call to Vigilance
With his background in law enforcement, Ohm also used the platform to educate the public on the signs of trafficking, noting that it often happens closer to home than many realize through “grooming” or the “Romeo and Juliet” ruse.
“If you see something that weirds you out, tell somebody,” Ohm urged. “If you see a young girl who doesn’t quite seem right, or someone being watched too closely at a gas station, report it. The National Human Trafficking Hotline is a great resource, but you can always contact us too.”
A Labor of Love
Perhaps most striking is the commitment of the ministry’s leadership. Ohm revealed that neither he nor the director has ever taken a paycheck from the ministry, ensuring that funds go directly toward their programs and the people they serve.
“God’s just provided what we need on and on and on,” Ohm said. “We rely on people being enthusiastic about what we do to support our mission.”
Tickets for the April 9th fundraiser are expected to sell out quickly due to the limited 60-seat capacity. Interested parties can find more information and purchase tickets on the Fallout Shelter Ministries Facebook page or at falloutshelterministries.com.
