One Voice for Laos is a humanitarian aid project whose mission is to improve the quality of life for 600 children living in the Deak Kum Pa orphanage in Luang Prabang, Laos.

The goal of the project, however, goes far beyond fundraising.

The project is also about consciousness-raising -- especially the consciousness of Western teenagers -- many of whom have yet to experience the challenges facing third-world cultures and the joy that comes from selfless service.

Headquartered in New York's Hudson Valley, One Voice for Laos is a community-based project -- fueled by the inspired collaboration of many dedicated local teens, parents, and concerned citizens.

We have five specific goals:

1. Raise money to support the 600 orphans.

2. Spark the emergence of the next generation of humanitarians.

3. Make the journey to Laos, in 2012, for two weeks of hands on service at the orphanage and neighboring village

4. Create a documentary film -- produced by Hudson Valley teenagers -- that will communicate the heart and soul of the experience.

5. Establish a model for how small communities can go beyond "business as usual" and make a profound difference in the world.

Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 04:52 PM | Comments (0)

Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 10:11 AM | Comments (0)

If you want to help support the 600 orphans of the Deak Kum Pa orphanage, it is easy to do so.

One Voice for Laos has recently joined forces with the Windhorse Foundation -- a highly regarded non-profit 501C3 -- to simplify our fundraising efforts.

YOU HAVE 2 CHOICES:

1. Write a check to the Windhorse Foundation and mail it to: PO Box 26582, San Francisco, CA 94126

2. Log onto the Windhorse Foundation website and make a donation via PayPal or major credit card. Be sure to indicate that your donation is for the DKP Orphanage. If you want a receipt, include your email address.

100% of all donations are used to support the orphans

Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 11:39 PM | Comments (0)

Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 09:10 PM | Comments (0)

Good news! One Voice for Laos' first three fundraising efforts have all been big successes.

The end-of-the-school-year dance party at the Colony Cafe -- skillfully organized by a core group of inspired teens -- raised $1240. Awesome music by the Paper Planets and the Daydreamers.

Oriole 9's fundraising lunch, hosted by Luc and Nina, was also a booming success. Great food. Great vibe. Oriole 9 was able to donate $950 to the Deak Kum Pa Orphanage.

And Claudia Hirsh, owner of the Woodstock's delightful Enchanted Manor, hosted a relaxed fundraising pool party and raised $440. Yes!

Plus, we've received anonymous donations of $85 (from Oriole 9 customers). The total raised so far? $2,700. Upcoming fundraisers include a 5K run, home concerts, and other surprises. Stay tuned!

Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 01:28 PM | Comments (0)