The Vietnamese Community Lends a Helping Hand to Hurricane Katrina Victims
In response to the terrible pain and destruction of Hurricane Katrina, the Vietnamese community unite to help in the relief effort. On Sunday, September 18, 2005, the Vietnamese Federation of San Diego, along with four of its member organizations, hosted a fundraising event for Hurricane Katrina victims. Beginning at 4:00 p.m. at Kearny High School in Linda Vista, the event consisted of musical performances by local singers and organizations, including the La Thu music group and Moon River Band. The performers showed their compassion and support by coming out to perform for free in order to raise money for the Hurricane victims.
Among the volunteers there were a handful of UCSD students representing the UCSD VSA magazine, Gach Noi. Students and first generation Vietnamese veterans alike showed their solidarity at this event. Phuong Bui, a recent graduate, says, “The event was great. It was well-organized.” When asked if he enjoyed the event, he said, “Yes! I stuck around for the whole thing, so I did enjoy it.”
By the end of the evening, concert-goers and other generous donors who sent their gifts contributed over $17,000.00. One of the volunteers at the event, Lan Le, says that, “Everyone came with a heart today. The performers, the audience, they all came with the desire to help and give something back to the community.” The full amount of the proceeds will go to the Salvation Army and earmarked for Hurricane Katrina victims.
When the fundraising effort ended at the end of September, we were able to raise a total of $20,693.00.
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