CRAL's New Chapter: Empowering Beyond Boundaries

The journey of the Cosumnes River Activities League (CRAL) began in the heart of Rancho Murieta, a community that has been the cradle of our ambitions and the launchpad for a mission with far-reaching implications. What started with a focus on enriching the lives of local youth through our experiences at the Cosumnes River Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy has evolved into a profound realization of our potential to effect change on a much larger scale.

In our academy, we witnessed the transformational power of dedication, discipline, and the martial arts ethos: children who arrived at our doors shy and reserved left as embodiments of confidence, strength, and self-respect. This remarkable transformation laid the groundwork for our expanded vision. It wasn't just about martial arts; it was about leveraging our insights and successes to forge a robust, preventative strategy against a pervasive threat—human trafficking.

Sacramento County is recognized for its unfortunate distinction as one of the nation's hotspots for human trafficking. This stark reality brought clarity to our mission. We understood that our role extended beyond the mats of our academy and the boundaries of Rancho Murieta. Our calling was to be a beacon of prevention, to harness the power of community engagement, and to build a protective ecosystem around our youth.

Our mission is now defined by a proactive approach: engaging young people through strategic, empowering events that not only build their self-esteem and resilience but also foster strong familial connections and a supportive, vigilant community. This is how we fight against human trafficking—not with fear, but with empowerment, education, and unity.

Rancho Murieta, while our founding and flagship community, is just the beginning. Our vision extends across Sacramento County and beyond, aiming to replicate our model of youth empowerment and community strengthening as effective tools in the global fight against human trafficking. Through collaboration, awareness, and active participation, we stand ready to safeguard the well-being and future of our youth.

This new chapter for CRAL is a call to action for everyone who believes in the power of prevention, the strength of community, and the undeniable right of every child to grow up in a world where they are safe, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.

A Message from CRAL, Inc. Co-Founder, Meagan Bingaman:

The notion that 'it won’t happen to me or my children' is a comforting but dangerous illusion. The stark truth is that the security provided by physical barriers is no match for the sophisticated tactics of human traffickers. Far more common than abductions are the scenarios where young women, primarily teenagers, are ensnared through deceptive romantic gestures by predators known as 'Romeo Pimps.' These manipulators excel in making their victims feel cherished, only to exploit that trust through violence, threats, and coercion, forcing compliance. The prevalence of human trafficking in Sacramento, with rates among the highest in the country, underscores the gravity of this threat. A 2022 report identified over 13,000 victims within a five-year span, a figure that continues to rise alarmingly.

In the face of this darkness, CRAL, Inc. aligns with Benjamin Franklin’s wisdom that 'An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.' Our foundation’s essence is embodied in this philosophy. We dedicate ourselves to preemptive actions, orchestrating community events aimed at empowering our youth, fortifying family ties, and cementing community solidarity. By instilling confidence, self-awareness, and a network of support, we create a bulwark against traffickers, who prey on vulnerability.

Our ultimate ambition stretches beyond just our community, aspiring for statewide influence—fostering alliances with non-profits and law enforcement agencies to replicate our model across California. Success for us is measured in the lives we safeguard, the futures we preserve.

Support Our Mission

The “WHY” Behind Our 2024 Events:

  • The Father-Daughter Dance

    More than a joyous celebration, this event supported strong relationships and connections between fathers and daughters. A study by the National Institute of Mental Health found that daughters who have close relationships with their fathers are less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. They also tend to have higher self-esteem, greater confidence, and a better ability to handle stress and emotional challenges.

  • Flag Football Tournament with SAL (Sacramento Sheriff's Activities League)

    Bridging the gap between youth and law enforcement. This age of technology seems to be picking up all the negative interactions and magnifying misdeeds by law enforcement. Our answer to this is to innovate inclusive and proactive community programming and promote positive interactions and life-changing experiences that improve the youths’ perception and interaction with law enforcement. Positive experiences with law enforcement deter crime, gun violence and even depression and suicide. Knowing that your civil servants care about the job they are doing and the people they are serving diminishes hopelessness and recklessness. It makes a difference.

  • Big Truck Day

    Tailored for children aged 2 to 6 years, this event is a vibrant and welcoming celebration designed to showcase the essential vehicles that power our community—ranging from school buses and street sweepers to garbage trucks, tractors, fire engines, ambulances, and police vehicles. More than just an entertaining and educational experience, the event's core mission is to foster early, positive interactions between our young ones and dedicated law enforcement and community workers. Through engaging demonstrations and interactive activities, we aim to cultivate a deep-seated respect and comprehension of the crucial roles these individuals play in ensuring our collective safety and well-being. By nurturing these bonds annually from a tender age, our aspiration is to significantly reduce incidents of vandalism and other disruptive behaviors, thereby enhancing the harmony and security of our community over the long term.

  • Comedy Under the Stars

    Comedy Under the Stars" is more than just an event; it's the cornerstone of our mission at CRAL, Inc. As we gear up for a night of laughter on Saturday, August 10th, at the Lake Clementia Amphitheatre, we're also rallying our community for an essential cause. This fundraiser is crucial, providing the fuel we need to launch and maintain programs designed to empower our youth with the confidence, awareness, and self-esteem to stand strong against human trafficking. This event isn't just about the fun; it's about making a real difference. By coming together for a night under the stars, every ticket sold, every sponsorship provided, directly supports our efforts to educate and uplift the young members of our community. Our aim is to work closely with law enforcement and other boots-on-the-ground organizations to create a safeguard—a circle of protection—for our children that makes them less likely to become targets for predators preying on vulnerability. Your participation means you're not just up for a good time but are also standing up for a good cause. It's a powerful way to contribute to building an environment where our youth can thrive, safe from the threats that lurk in the shadows.

Meet the Bingaman Family: The Heart Behind CRAL


Welcome to the passionate world of Matthew and Meagan Bingaman, the dynamic duo at the helm of Cosumnes River Activities League (CRAL). As residents of Rancho Murieta and parents to Presley (6) and Matix (4), the Bingamans are deeply invested in the community. Matthew, a successful real estate agent and owner of Bingaman Realty, also shares his passion for martial arts as the black belt instructor and founder of Cosumnes River Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, catering to ages from young kids to adults. Meagan, formerly a COO, now spearheads her consulting firm while expertly managing their family businesses and homeschooling their children. United in their vision, Matt and Meagan are dedicated to enriching the lives of the community's youth, striving to create the undeniable right of every child to grow up in a world where they are safe, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.