High Profile Kids of Hope" Tsunami Relief Benefit March 20th

Los Angeles comes together to support children of Sri Lanka harmed by the tsunami.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) February 10, 2005 -- A high profile tsunami relief gala to raise desperately needed funds for the children of Sri Lanka happens on March 20, 2005 from 6:00pm to 10:30pm at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel. The Kids of HOPE www.kidsofhope.org charity dinner to reconstruct schools and orphanages is hosted by the Sri Lanka Express Foundation in collaboration with the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Los Angeles.

Children are the most vulnerable victims of the tsunami," said Gamini Pemasiri, Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Los Angeles, hundreds of children have been orphaned and many more have lost one parent. Were pleased to collaborate in this effort to rebuild their future and thank the good people of Los Angeles for their support."

said Hassina Leelarathna, Executive Director of the Sri Lanka Express Foundation, By identifying specific recipients and projects, were providing the opportunity for donors to participate directly in this historic event. They know exactly whom they are helping and can assess if the funds are being wisely spent.

This exotic Night in Sri Lanka" features world class music, special guest celebrities and politicians, cultural dance, delicious food and spirits, a silent auction, and video journey from the tsunami ravaged shoreline. Tickets are $250 each and are available for online purchase at: http://www.kidsofhope.org/ or for telephone registration, please call: (866) 462-2838

According to the latest Sri Lankan government data, a total of 504,440 persons have been directly affected by the tsunamis, of whom more than 36% are children. Among the dead and missing the largest number are children. Approximately 40,000 people are estimated to be dead and 6,000 – 7,000 still missing. "Getting children back to school represents perhaps the single most effective remedy in helping them cope with the enormity of the catastrophe that has so radically altered their lives," said Ted Chaiban, the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) representative in Sri Lanka.

Proceeds from the Kids of HOPE tsunami relief event will benefit the Sambodhi Home in Galle, a shelter for physically and mentally disabled children and adults. About half of the hundred residents of the home died in the tsunami, drowning in their beds or swept away in the torrents of water that battered the coastal regions. Additional beneficiaries include Oxfam, the Sri Lanka Ministry of Education for the rebuilding and refurbishing of schools and to the Lions Club for the rehabilitation of the Prithipura Home for disabled children in Hendala.

Americans responded generously to massive humanitarian efforts launched on behalf of the tsunami victims, but donors have no personal relationship with the victims and have no idea where their money is going," said Hassina Leelarathna, Executive Director of the Sri Lanka Express Foundation, By identifying specific recipients and projects, were providing the opportunity for donors to participate directly in this historic event. They know exactly whom they are helping and can assess if the funds are being wisely spent." The Sri Lanka Express Foundation has representatives on the ground now, coordinating relief efforts directly with the local authorities and grass roots organizations.

About the Sri Lanka Express Foundation
The Sri Lanka Express is a Los Angeles-based bi-weekly newspaper that has served the Sri Lankan diaspora in the U.S. since 1978. The Foundation was recently formed as a not-for-profit charity and is working with several U.S. and Sri Lankan organizations on tsunami-related missions. http://srilankaexpressfoundation.org/ or call 800-634-5490.

About the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Los Angeles
The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Los Angeles is the official representative of the government of Sri Lanka in the West Coast of the United States of America. The Consulates mission is to increase awareness of Sri Lanka and to promote cooperation and exchange between Sri Lanka and the U.S. The Consulate General provides trade and tourist information in addition to handling passport, visa and other consular services.
http://www.srilankaconsulatela.com/

Companies interested in sponsoring the Kids of HOPE tsunami relief benefit should contact John Tidwell at: (818) 994-2516 or via email at: jt@kidsofhope.org.

Press Contact:
Beverly Visty Doman
310-822-9645

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