Contact Information: Contact: Brian Lehnen Executive Director Phone: 650-802-8891, Ext. 111 Cell: 650-483-7136 www.VillageEnterpriseFund.org
Microfinance Organization Village Enterprise Fund Celebrates Annual Gala October 19
| Source: Village Enterprise Fund
SAN CARLOS, CA--(Marketwire - October 1, 2008) - 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.