VietNamNet Bridge – The East Meets West Foundation will host a fundraising gala in celebration of the organization’s 20th anniversary at the Park Hyatt Hotel Saigon on October 16.

Popular Vietnamese overseas singer Y Lan to perform at East Meets West Foundation’s gala marking its 20th anniversary. (Photo: Internet)

As a survivor of breast cancer Y Lan said in a statement that “life is too short to make a difference.” “I am thrilled with the opportunity to contribute to the East Meets West Foundation’s efforts to raise funds for the benefit of Vietnamese children. This performance will be very special for me because I have six children of my own, and I want to do something significant to help the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children in Vietnam who too often have no one to speak on their behalf.”

Moreover, guests at the gala will enjoy her sweet voice while tasting the cooking prepared by celebrity chef Michael Bao Huynh. Bao was recognized by the New York Times magazine as one of the “Best Chefs of 2003″, and his modern Vietnamese cooking earned recognition as “One of the Top 10 Restaurants” in 2007 from the New York Times.

He operates the award-winning Mai House, Bun and Bar Bao in New York City and he recently opened the Hidden Restaurant in Santa Monica, California with a former member of the pop group Duran Duran. Bao plans to raffle a home-cooked dinner for six or a private cooking lesson during a high-end raffle of luxury items at the gala. All proceeds will go to the East Meets West Foundation.

The evening begins at 7 p.m. with a lavish hors d’oeuvre and wine reception, featuring delicious appetizers designed by Bao. The main event is a sumptuous three-course meal and the grand finale is a decadent dessert reception, with cordials, a performance by singer Y Lan and dancing.

“The gala is among our most significant fund raising tools in terms of showing appreciation to those who support us,” said Rad Kivette, director of development of the East Meets West Foundation. “This event recognizes people who help us to provide health and educational support to more than one million people in Vietnam every year,” he said.

The East Meets West Foundation is a non-governmental organization which has been working in Vietnam for 20 years. The organization builds schools and hospitals, among other projects, and recently commenced a study to assess the best way to support Vietnam’s densely-populated coast lines from the impact of global warming and rising seas.

A limited number of reserved seats have been set aside for donors. For information about tickets and sponsorships, contact rad.kivette@gmail.com or emwmimivu@gmail.com, tel: +84 (08) 290 7374.

(Source: SGT)