Microfinance Organization Village Enterprise Fund Celebrates Annual Gala
Published October 7th, 2008
SAN CARLOS, CA - The micro-finance organization Village Enterprise Fund (VEF) will celebrate its annual gala Sunday, October 19. The “Where Hope Flourishes” event will include dinner, entertainment and a live auction of African treasures and experiences. The fundraiser will take place at the Sharon Heights Country Club (2900 Sand Hill Road) in Menlo Park from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m.
VEF provides seed capital grants, training and mentoring to start small businesses in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The microfinance organization helps the rural poor who need more than money and who are not served by traditional micro-lenders.
“This event is an opportunity to celebrate our progress and help assure our vision will continue and grow,” said Brian Lehnen, president and co-founder. “Our goal is to raise more than $1 million this year to give hope and change the lives of 75,000 people through the sustainable incomes created by the Village Enterprise Fund.”
The VEF micro-finance program has proven its ability to help reduce poverty. Since its inception in 1987, VEF has started more than 16,000 businesses, of which 75 percent are still operating after four years. One-third start additional businesses or spin-off ventures. Each of the businesses positively impacts the lives of between 15 and 40 people. A recent study showed that VEF-backed business owners significantly improve their nutrition, education, housing and general standard of living.
Tickets for the gala are $150 per person. For more information, including details on auction items, contact VEF at 650-802-8891 or e-mail info@VillageEnterpriseFund.org.
Village Enterprise Fund
Village Enterprise Fund (VEF) aims to reduce poverty in rural East Africa by providing seed capital, business training and mentoring to create income-generating businesses. VEF is headquartered in San Carlos, California, with regional offices in Dodoma, Tanzania; Soroti, Uganda; and Kakamega, Kenya. For more information, visit the website at www.VillageEnterpriseFund.org, e-mail info@VillageEnterpriseFund.org or call 1-800-785-1775.
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