Project MotiVATe Benefit Gala: Mentoring Today to Empower our Tomorrow

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:
Julie Vo
Program Director, External
Project MotiVATe
(310) 467-9008
projectmotivate@gmail.com
www.projectmotivate.org

PROJECT MOTIVATE’S 3rd BENEFIT GALA: MENTORING TODAY TO

EMPOWER OUR TOMORROR

(Garden Grove , CA, March 9th, 2009) - In the spirit of service, Project MotiVATe (Mentoring Vietnamese American Teens) will host its 3rd Benefit Gala: Mentoring Today to Empower Our Tomorrow on Friday, April 17th, 2009 at 7pm. The event will be held at Paracel Seafood Restaurant and is a night of community-building and connection. Bringing together community leaders, parents and educators, the event will feature live performances by popular Vietnamese American artists, a keynote speaker, an opportunity drawing and 5-course dinner. The event will also recognize the efforts of individuals and organizations that have served Vietnamese youth and advanced the mission of Project MotiVATe. All funds raised will go directly to the mentoring program.

“Project MotiVATe is a safe place where youth lean on their mentors and on one another for support and encouragement—just like family,” says Internal Program Director, Scott Iseri, “In these times, it is more important than ever to recognize the importance of youth development and provide support and leadership to this next generation.”

Located in the heart of Garden Grove, CA and with a Board comprised of community leaders, Project MotiVATe serves as a culturally relevant resource to underserved Vietnamese youth and their families while aiming to eradicate the sweeping presumption of Asian American youth as a “model minority”. Through its annual summer camp, one-on-one mentoring, weekly study halls, monthly events and an all-volunteer staff, Project MotiVATe ensures that all mentees graduate high school and pursue higher education while creating opportunities for personal growth, cultural connectedness and social responsibility. Paracel Seafood Restaurant is located at 15583 Brookhurst Street, Westminster, CA 92683.

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In 1996, Project MotiVATe (formerly known as Camp for Youth) was developed to meet the needs of Vietnamese American youth in Orange County. The mission of Project MotiVATe is to mentor Vietnamese American teens by developing their academic, cultural, and social skills to achieve educational goals and personal success. Despite the large number of Vietnamese-Americans living in Orange County, there are currently no mentoring programs available free of charge to academically and socially at-risk Vietnamese youth. To fulfill this need, Project MotiVATe offers a culturally relevant mentorship program at no financial cost to families. For more information, tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please contact projectmotivate@gmail.com or www.projectmotivate.org