The Laotian-American Society (LAS) of Atlanta, Georgia, a non-profit organization established in 2003 by a dozen young Lao-Americans with a vision to reach out and help other young Lao-Americans to pursue higher education, held its 3rd annual Charity Ball on March 4, 2007, with about 700 people in attendance.
LAS’ main goals and purposes are:
1. Raise fund to provide scholarships to needy students of Lao descent who want to pursue higher education.
2. Provide service to the Lao-American Community in the greater Atlanta area such as:
a. Offering a Lao language class.
b. Providing Lao traditional dance lessons.
c. Helping members of the older generation to prepare for the United States citizenship test.
LAS held its 3rd annual celebration and fund-raising event on March 4, 2007. Sean Sackprasith, President of LAS 2007, talked to VOA in an interview about the 3rd annual event:
“The goal of this event is to let other communities and organizations learn and know more about LAS - of what we do, what LAS is all about. In addition, I am very proud to see this evening’s turnout. More than 700 people showed up to support us. So I am very happy, and there is no limit as to how far LAS can grow.”
In addition to fund-raising, the event of March 4, 2007 is also a showcase of Lao traditional music, dances and performances. There are several artists - singers from all over the country to help make the event even more a pleasant experience to those who came to witness that night. The event’s co-chair, Dao Malaythong, expressed her feelings to VOA this way: “I am very proud and happy to see the big turnout. People are coming from all over the country to join us. I can’t seem express into words how I felt about tonight.”
Score of Lao artists and performers helped entertain guests that night including: Mr. Voradeth Ditthavong, Phone Phoumithon, Kith Chitarath, Phonesouk, Phongsavanh Xayasith, the Noum Sery band, Ole of the Exile band, Venus and the Chitpanya band.
Listen to our audio file for more details.