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Silent fundraiser: Actress Kathy Uyen (left) and Smile Ambassador Huong Giang present a book The Power of Smile. They will join in active fundraising efforts. — File Photo |
HA NOI — Artworks by Vietnamese and foreign artists will be auctioned at An Evening of Smiles on March 5 in Ha Noi's Sofitel Plaza. Two paintings donated by members of the A – Art Project in France from their exhibition in Viet Nam earlier this year will also be sold.
An Evening of Smiles is a regular fundraiser held by Operation Smile Viet Nam to raise money for reconstructive treatments for Vietnamese children born with facial deformities. Contributions to the silent auction have been made by local artists and collectors and will include photographs and paintings.
"The funds will be used for smile and burn operations," said Nguyen Viet Phuong, head of Operation Smile Viet Nam. "A portion of the money will be invested into training nurses and volunteer teams."
Artist Pham Luc was moved by the cause. "I'm happy to see the children after operation. The feeling is like seeing a completed painting," said Luc at the press conference announcing the auction.
Chevron Viet Nam is also co-sponsoring the event.
"I encourage my colleagues in the business community in Viet Nam to join us on March 5 for a great evening and a great cause," said Chevron Viet Nam representative Hank Tomlinson.
A gala dinner will also be prepared by Chef Raymond Tan and his team, with a theme built around fresh local products available at this time of year. A free flow of drinks will be provided throughout the evening, with the wine being partly sponsored by Les Celliers d'Asie Viet Nam.
Rob Blain, Asia Pacific CEO of property consulting firm CB Richard Ellis, will fly over to conduct the live auction, as he has done since the first such event in 2002.
Operation Smile Viet Nam aims to provide free corrective facial surgery this year to as many as 2,000 of the estimated 3,000 children born in Viet Nam each year with facial deformities such as cleft palates. The group is working on a backlog of 13,000 patients and continues to strengthen its Comprehensive Care Centres in Ha Noi, Hue and HCM City. Overseas Vietnamese actress Cathy Uyen, Miss Viet Nam Mai Phuong Thuy and Smile Ambassador Huong Giang are all active in fundraising efforts. — VNS