Southern California Author to Help Fight Human Trafficking via Sales of Her New Novel, "Gathering the Indigo Maidens"

MONARCH BEACH, CA--(Marketwire - Sep 20, 2011) - Southern Californian Connie Spenuzza (pen name "Cecilia Velástegui") recently published a novel, "Gathering the Indigo Maidens," (Libros Publishing, ISBN #978-0-9837458-1-5) to help fight human trafficking which affects 14,500 to 17,500 nationwide annually according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

"My novel intertwines the mysterious history of a 17^th century Spanish Colonial painting, the lives of three nearly forgotten historical women, and the grim, sadistic, modern-day world of human-trafficking for sexual exploitation," says author Connie Spenuzza ("Cecilia Velástegui").

Human trafficking is "modern day slavery" that involves obtaining or maintaining the labor or services of another person through the use of force, fraud, or coercion. These human rights violations can occur in the forms of commercial sex (sex trafficking) and forced labor such as domestic servitude, factory or agricultural work.

Spenuzza says her goal is to provide ongoing financial support to assist the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force in meeting their mission of providing services to victims of sex trafficking. In addition to providing an initial $2000 donation, she plans to donate a percentage of all books sales to this unique nonprofit collaboration which has helped Orange County victims of human trafficking over the past six years.

Donna Karan Collection also joined the fight against human trafficking and is hosting a "Gathering the Indigo Maidens" book signing at 2 p.m. on September 21 at their retail store in South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, Calif. Ten percent of all retail sales that day will be donated to the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force.

ForeWord Review says: "Author Cecilia Velástegui, who was born in Ecuador, raised in California and France, and holds a graduate degree from the University of Southern California, has crafted a compelling psychological thriller similar to those of Dan Brown in its use of religious and historical symbols. She has capably integrated some of the most pressing issues of our time into her story, and her voice -- as she touches upon injustice toward women and the fate of trafficked girls and undocumented workers -- is strong and compassionate."

For more information about the author, future books signings or to purchase the book, visit www.gatheringtheindigomaidens.com.

About the Author

Connie Spenuzza ("Cecilia Velástegui") was born in Quito, Ecuador where she spent her childhood. She was raised in California and France, and has traveled extensively in 50 countries. She received her graduate degree from the University of Southern California, and speaks four languages. She serves on the board of directors of several cultural and educational institutions. She lives with her family in Monarch Beach, California.

About the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force

Founded in 2004, the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force (OCHTTF) is a collaboration of Law Enforcement, Non-Governmental Organizations, Faith Based Organizations and the community. The purpose of the OCHTTF is to work together to protect victims, prosecute offenders, and prevent further perpetration of this crime in Orange County, California.