Originally posted in the Asian Journal
Families living in extreme poverty in the Philippines will benefit from fundraiser ‘A String of PEARLS’ at Saint Joseph’s Arts Foundation, featuring Chaz Bear, Franco Finn
SAN FRANCISCO – On June 12, 2022, Project PEARLS & Saint Joseph’s Arts Foundation will be hosting one of their most important fundraisers, “A String of PEARLS: A Scholarship Benefit” taking place at Saint Joseph Arts Foundation (1401 Howard Street, San Francisco), from 4-7 p.m., which is centrally located in the SOMA Pilipinas cultural district. The funds raised will support the scholarships of over a hundred college scholars who are living in extreme poverty.
Project PEARLS is a nonprofit organization on a mission to help children and families break the cycle of poverty in the Philippines through education, literacy, empowerment, nutrition, and healthcare. Project PEARLS is much more than the band-aid charity it started out as 12 years ago. With a small, dedicated staff supported by hundreds of enthusiastic volunteers in the Philippines and in the U.S., it is now a heart-centered nonprofit that implements effective programs to educate, empower, nourish, and deliver healthcare to thousands of children and adults in a handful of underserved communities throughout the islands.
The organization is now reaching a huge milestone in following students from kindergarten through college. In the next three years, over 100 scholars will be in college.
Project Pearls scholar, Princess Soria, was born and raised in the slums of Tondo where her single mother and other two siblings were working in charcoal pits. She was enrolled in the project’s Scholarship Program when she was 12. She is graduating this June with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Far Eastern University. She has been to New York in 2018 to represent Project PEARLS and Philippines at the United Nations Summit for Women and Girls.
“I was only in 5th grade when I became a Project PEARLS scholar. As a child, I worked in the charcoal factory to help my family have food on the table and for me to have school allowance. I never thought I would finish elementary school but this June, I am graduating from college with a degree in Psychology. With the help of Project PEARLS, it is possible to dream big and make those dreams realities,” Soria said.
Their family now lives in a relocation village in Bulacan which Project PEARLS also serves.
The pandemic pushes millions more Filipinos into poverty. The Philippines Statistic Authority reports that an estimated 23.7% of the population of 110 million live in poverty. Project PEARLS is committed to break that cycle of poverty by educating and empowering its scholars, their families, and their communities.
Melissa Villa, founder and Executive Director, has this to say, “Twelve years ago, I met these children living in the slum community in Manila. They were covered in soot, flies and dirt. Children as young as three years old were already helping their parents in scavenging garbage or in making charcoal. With their inquiring minds, they made me realize that they are not just hungry for food, they are very hungry for education. So, we launched a Scholarship Program to put these children to school and out of the dumpsite working. We started with over 40 preschool scholars and now, we have over 700 scholars from preschool to college who are more hopeful to get out of poverty.”
The benefit show will include a live and silent auction, music, cocktails, food and an unbridled celebration of the power of a community reaching out to help the most vulnerable populations. Join host and auctioneer, Franco Finn, a.k.a. The Warriors “Hype Man”.
Headliner is Chaz Bear, known professionally as Toro y Moi, a Filipino-American singer, songwriter, record producer, and graphic designer from San Francisco Bay Area.
Guest Performers are Kat Damian, DJ ET – both Filipino-Americans from San Francisco Bay Area.
Featured Partner is The City Eats, a non-profit organization dedicated to unifying the community through the purpose of eradicating hunger amongst the inner-city homeless population.
Featured Designers are Vinta Gallery, a bespoke and ready-to-wear modern Filipiniana and Filipino-inspired fashion & accessories. Evaro Italia, an Italian luxury women’s wear inspired by nature and Italian culture that offer a range of beautifully crafted pieces that bring sophistication and elegance to contemporary fashion.
Culinary Highlights
Yana Gilbuena, a Philippine-born, critically-acclaimed, ancestrally-taught chef, started the SALO Series as a way to educate folks about the history, culture and rich heritage embedded in Filipino cuisine. Her work centers on the decolonization/redigenization through food. Yana will be serving her delicious and creative dishes to the VIP guests.
Matteo Lavorini is a professional truffle hunter from Italy who has been working in the business for 12 years, combining his passion for nature, animals and cooking. Matteo is also a chef specializing in mushroom and truffle dishes that he will serve to the VIP guests at the event. He will also have Matteo Truffle products to auction and to sell.
The Sarap Shop specializes in nostalgic Filipino-American comfort food, with menus designed to make every-vore feel welcomed. Their food truck will be at the event.
Live & Silent Auction items include:
- NBA Golden State Warriors memorabilia package – autographed jerseys of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson plus on the court experience with Franco Finn the Warriors “Hype Man”
- All-inclusive Cabo San Lucas, Mexico 5-day vacation for two
- 5-night stay in Waikiki Beach Resort for two
- Tickets for 2 to an upcoming Toro y Moi show and 5 signed merchandise.
- Nobu Hotel Stay and Dining for two
- Modern Filipiniana clothing from VINTA Gallery
- Italian luxury women’s wear and accessories from Evaro Italia.
General admission tickets is priced at $50 (will feed 15 children in need).
VIP tickets start at $2500: Tickets for four; early admission; exclusive cabaret table seating; full service of drinks and hearty hors d’oeuvres from Chef Yana AND Matteo Truffles; Your ASPIRATION Tickets will send one scholar to college for a year and will provide 600 meals to children and families in need. $1500 will be tax deductible.
VIP Tickets for $5000: Tickets for eight; early admission; exclusive salon seating; full service of drinks and hearty hors d’oeuvres from Chef Yana AND Matteo Truffles; Your ASPIRATION Tickets will send two scholars to college for a year and will provide 600 meals to children and families in need. $3500 will be tax deductible
Tickets and Corporate Sponsorships are available at https://projectpearls.givesmart.com.
(Project Pearls Release)
