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News - What we're up to!
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VNSF Newsletter (October 2008)A Word from the Board ChairOn September 5th, the Viet Nam Scholarship Foundation held its 4th Annual Benefit Event at the Burke Museum. Our financial goal for this year’s benefit event was to raise $30,000, which would allow VNSF to continue to support and grow our scholarship programs. I’m very happy to announce that our goal was achieved!
The reception-style event, attended by more than 150 guests, featured authentic Vietnamese food donated by the Tamarind Tree Restaurant. The guests also had fun bidding in the silent and live auctions. All items were donated by generous friends and supporters of VNSF. In addition to the food and auctions, everyone was able to enjoy the museum’s exhibits throughout the event. To accomplish our goals of having a fun and successful benefit event and meeting our financial goal, the fundraising committee worked diligently for many months. However, without the help, enthusiasm, and the dedication of approximately thirty volunteers, we would not have been as successful. It is with admiration and appreciation that I thank all of our volunteers for their time and compassion. I would like to thank Tam Nguyen from the Tamarind Tree for providing food for the event, Eric Banh from Monsoon Restaurant for donating a cooking lesson, and all of the donors who donated valuable items for our auctions. Also, thank you to the Balmidiano Trio for donating their time and providing the music that helped to create a great ambience for fun and giving. Lastly, thank you to all the guests who generously pledged and gave to help us achieve our goal and give the children in Viet Nam a chance for a brighter future. On behalf of the students in Viet Nam, we thank you! Meet Hieu, One of Our Scholarship RecipientsSince the founding of the Viet Nam Scholarship Foundation (VNSF), our goal has always been to provide students the assistance they need to reach their full potential. It’s always great for VNSF to hear about the successes our recipients are able to achieve. A recent graduate of our program, Nguyen Trung Hieu, is a great example.
Hieu graduated from a university in Viet Nam in 2008. He successfully defended his graduation thesis with the outstanding score of 9.3/10. Even more exciting, he won a 6-month student exchange scholarship with the University of Ajou in South Korea, starting September of this year. Hieu was accepted as a Viet Nam Scholarship Foundation recipient in 2007. With support from VNSF, Hieu was able to focus more on his studies and remove his worries about tuition. “The [VNSF] scholarship helped support my independent study of a foreign language, IELTS practice software, and printing costs during the time I was finishing my thesis,” Hieu writes in a letter to VNSF. His goal is to find an opportunity to obtain a master’s degree in an international environment, with his Ajou University trip being the beginning. VNSF is also glad to learn that Hieu has the desire to give back to the community. “I hope that VNSF will provide opportunities for me to participate and contribute a part in your mission of easing the worries of disadvantaged students in Viet Nam,” he writes. Given the amount of work and future projects VNSF has in mind, VNSF can certainly use the expertise of and help from successful graduates like Hieu. Checking in with Anh, Our Newest Board Member Our newest VNSF board member, Anh Tran, has completed nearly two months with the organization. During this short time he has been to several board meetings, a few trainings, and a retreat; helped plan the annual fundraising event; and is generally spending time making VNSF more efficient.
“It’s been busy, exciting, and invigorating,” he says. “I’m amazed at the amount of time and energy the board members put into this organization. It’s a tight-knit group with a common goal.” Asked what he hopes to see for VNSF five or ten years in the future, Anh responds with “programs for children all over Vietnam.” Although his board duties keep him occupied, Anh still finds time to enjoy life, including his hobby of golfing. “I’m learning to balance it in with my Board responsibilities, but so far so good.” Volleyball TournamentThis year, VNSF held its first (hopefully annual) Volleyball Tournament. The tournament coincided with our Summer Picnic, an opportunity for many of our long-time donors to gather together for some fun in the sun!
After a 6-hour beach/sand volleyball tournament, our volleyball competitors chowed down on some good summer eating! With Vu at the helm of the grill, we had Korean BBQ shortribs, grilled chicken, vegetable skewers, and good old-fashioned hot dogs. Our potluck picnic was rounded out with Vietnamese sandwiches, BBQ pork, roasted duck, mango, salad, and tofu pudding with ginger syrup! YUM! Thanks to our volleyball players who helped raise enough money to send 18 students to school for an entire year. And thank you to all of our potluck contributers who helped feed over 50 stomachs! We hope to see you next year! VNSF Benefit Dinner Donors and VolunteersVNSF extends its sincerest gratitude to the donors and supporters who made our annual benefit event at the Burke Museum such a success. Thank you!
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AnnouncementsHappy Holidays!! Read the story of a young college girl -- Nguyen Thi Thu Hau . Read a letter sent to us from Bui Thu Thuy, a young girl in high school who has inspired the VNSF board. Send a child to school today!Subscribe to the VNSF Newsletter2008 Volleyball Tournament www.flickr.com
This is a Flickr badge showing items in a set called 2008 VNSF Volleyball Tournament. Make your own badge here.
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