On September 29, 2009, a deadly 8.0 undersea earthquake struck the Samoa region, resulting in a tsunami that displaced thousands and left scores more dead. Much progress has been made in the rebuilding effort, but they still have a long way to go. Since 2001, the Pacific Islands Center for Educational Development (PiCED), a 501(c)(3) in the territory of American Samoa has mentored and counseled all levels of students in the territory of American Samoa, making good on its mission to build a culture of scholarship, increase the secondary level graduation rate, and increase the percentage of Pacific Islander students who go on to pursue a college education.
In the wake of the tsunami, our most pressing need at the moment is financial assistance towards the rebuilding of the Parent Center and Library at Taputapu Elementary. Towards that end, they have partnered with me and I have graciously agreed to organize a Tennis Charity Fundraiser event upon their behalf.
Why Samoa? I grew up in Pago Pago, Am. Samoa and I still have family and friends living there.
The following are photos of Taputapu Elementary School devasted by the tsunami….
To help rebuild, join us at the dinner party….
Mike and Noel Smith have graciously offered their Fair Oaks home which features a beautiful clay court in their back yard to host this great dinner party. Our goal is to raise $7000.
When: Saturday, May 1st
Time: 6:00 – 10:00 pm
Where: Noël & Mike Smith’s home, 8725 Hammersmith Lane in Fair Oaks
Cost: $25 per person
RSVP: Reply back to me ASAP with names and total number of people who will attend
Payment: Send a check payable to “PiCED” to Noël Smith at 8725 Hammersmith Lane, Fair Oaks, CA 95628
We have a limited number of spaces left and we expect it to sell out quickly, all RSVPs will be on a first come first serve basis, don’t wait and miss this fun event, let us know ASAP that you can attend.
The Dinner:
Wow – what a great evening we have planned:
Clay Court Exhibition
Buffet Dinner provided by Fat’s Restaurants
Tennis Fashion Show
Polynesian Floor Show
The Benny’s – End the evening rocking with the Benny’s eclectic musical experience. A local Sacramento band whose easygoing sound is a relaxing blend of island music and modern folk with upbeat rhythms often reminiscent of Motown or Stax. With funky beats that people can dance to, or groove along with from their seats. Lead singer is local tennis pro, Bobby Martinez.
We have some great prizes for you to win, so be sure to get plenty of tickets. Some prizes include
Private Reserve Tasting and Tour – Renwood Winery
Clay Court Tennis Lessons – Mike Smith
Five Bottle Collection of Wines – Sean Minor 4 Bears Winery
Massage and Facial – Le Spa
Wine from Miller Vineyards
Fair Oaks Theatre Festival Tickets
Too many more to name them all here.
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