Media
Media Release
July 13, 2007
The Lifestart Foundation Annual Charity Auction and Fundraiser
The Lifestart Foundation's main fundraising event, the annual Christmas in July dinner dance and charity auction will be held on Saturday, 28 July 2007.
The annual event, now in its 4th year, is supported by friends, families and members of the Vietnamese community. The Silent Auction, with many donated items provided by the business sector, is a highlight of the evening. A major announcement of some exciting new initiatives to be undertaken by the Lifestart Foundation in 2008 will be made on the night.
Music teacher Karen Leonard, who founded the Lifestart Foundation in 2004, first conceived the Lifestart Foundation when she was backpacking through Vietnam in 2001. A private school music teacher for 30 years, she was deeply affected after a chance encounter with a street kid during her trip. She was introduced to his world and realised she had to do something.
Her assistance first took the form of personally supporting several street kids by encouraging them back to school and paying their education costs. Since the Lifestart Foundation was formed it has provided 52 education scholarships for children; has given 89 micro-business grants to families to assist them toward self-sufficiency; installed basic services for many families in their homes; provided clothing to over 100 children; assisted 29 'at-risk' street children into training programs; built seven houses for families who were without shelter; built 20 boats to provide a source of income and shelter for families during annual flooding; renovated and given basic supplies to a local orphanage; and assisted with medical expenses for a number of children with severe illnesses. In 2006, she opened the Lifestart Foundation Free School. She is currently working towards providing self-sufficiency for people with disabilities.
More details on the upcoming Christmas in July Dinner Dance & Charity Auction.
Lifestart Foundation is a non-profit charity registered in Victoria. www.lifestartfoundation.org.au
For all media enquiries and interview requests please contact:
Fran Lanigan t: 03) 9690-7557 m: 0412-174-033 e: laniganf@ozemail.com.au