Fundraising for Cambodia Assistance Organizations

On October 15th, 2005, IRCO sponsored a charity event to help raise money for three respected NGO's that serve to preserve Khmer traditional arts and culture, teach the poor and less fortunate to be self sufficient, improve their living condition, and instill HOPE back in their lives. The fundraising gala included presentations from humanitarians such as Arn Chorn Pond "the Flute Player", CMPP Founder, Mr. Sarath Doeur - CVCD Executive Director, Ms. Bhavia C. Wagner - FWC Executive Director, Mr. Chris Crossland, Cambodian Assistance Project Founder, Sopha Hang - Dance Troupe of Oregon Founder, Kilong Ung - President of CACO, and Chanly Bob - Chairman of CACO - www.cacoregon.org.

Mr. Arn Chorn Pong delighted the audience with the soothing rendition of the flute. Read his inspiring and empowering biography at www.thefluteplayer.net.

Prach Ly, Cambodian American Rapper from Long Beach California entertained and had everyone up on their seat with his lyrics of genocide, life as a refugee in America, and the beauty of Khmer culture. Definitely a talent that is to be recognized. His music not only captivates the younger generation, but the older generation as well. Read Prach Ly's interview on PBS - http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/cambodia/ly.html. Or check out his personal web site: http://www.mujestic.com/p__r__a__c__h

Kilong Ung - CACO President, and CACO Chairman Chanly Bob - gave a brief introduction and 5 minute trailer on a documentary film Bombhunters, which is produced by local movie producer Skye Fitzgerald. This film project documents the effects of UXO (Unexploded Ordnance) on the Cambodian people, both within their ho mel and and in the US . The completed film will be incorporated into the larger strategy of UXO education projects in SE Asia , and as an educational and fundraising instrument in the West. In particular, Bombhunters document villager's efforts throughout rural Cambodia as they seek out UXO and attempt to render it safe for sale to the scrap metal industry in order to survive. Please see attachment for detailed information about this documentary film. To find out more about the film, please visit www.bombhunters.com or www.cacoregon.org. Two important dates were December 10th, 2005 for the public screening of Bombhunters, and December 31st, 2005, which is the annual Khmer Heritage Celebration. Tickets for Bombhunters can be purchased via www.ticketweb.com after November 12th, 2005. Mark you calendars and purchase your tickets early before it runs out.

The beauty and elegance of the Dance Troupe of Oregon little dancers had the audience wanting more. Thank you ODT dance teachers for dedicating so much of your precious time to pass on your knowledge to these young ladies on the beauty and gracefullyness of the Khmer traditional dances.

 

NGO's Serving Cambodia's Best Interest:

1) CMPP - www.thefluteplayer.net - The Cambodian Master Performers Program (CMPP) supports the revival of traditional art forms in Cambodia and inspires contemporary artistic expression.

2) CVCD - www.cvcd.org.kh - The Cambodian Volunteers for Community Development (CVCD) aims to improve the lives and realize the potential of Cambodia 's poor, empowering them to shape their own lives by teaching them literacy, job skills and health education. CVCD provides English, computer sewing, and Khmer Literacy training classes, and Environmental Education.

3) Friendship with Cambodia - www.friendshipwithcambodia.org - is a non-profit organization that p romotes cultural understanding, appreciation and cooperation through educational programs about Cambodia by raising funds for humanitarian projects in Cambodia . FWC offers scholarships to children in poverty to attend school. Financial support in the form of loans and support group for women to improve their lives. FWC provides social support to landmine survivor through education and awareness.

4) Cambodian Assistance Project - Chris Crossland - inspired by Arn Chorn Pond, Mr. Sarath Doeur, and his humanitarian efforts in Cambodia this last summer, Chris, along with a handful of close friends and family members to start the Cambodian Assistance Project to help those less fortunate and without much HOPE in Cambodia. Check out his web site: http://www.wechoosetolove.com

 

SPECIAL THANKS:

Last but not least, thank you to IRCO Staffs for organizing such a noble event to benefit Cambodia's poor. There were many volunteers who took part in the planning of the event. They were the first to be at the event to help cook, setup, prepare, and they were the last to leave after the cleaning. Well worth the effort from the these kind volunteers who devoted much time and energy so that the event would be successful. There were many CACO volunteers who helped to setup the event, cooked, as well as staying until the end to help with the cleanup. Thank you CACO volunteers.

There were many sponsors and donors for this event. They will be posted here once the information is provided by IRCO.

Note: these pictures were taken by Chanly Bob, volunteer web master administering www.khmerdreams.org domain. The pictures you see here are the sole property of Chanly Bob. The designs you see are the sole property of Chanly Bob. You have my permission to download and use only if you reference where you got it from. Thank you!