Sala Bai charity night raises another year of tuition for young people in Cambodia

Lycette & Associates was present at the Friends of Sala Bai charity night on 29 November. It was a fun night to catch up with colleagues and friends and help raise essential funds for the Sala Bai Hotel School in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Associates Ariane Lellmann, Tim Millett, Principal Liz Lycette and Business Development Manager Josephine van Damme were there to enjoy the night.

Friends of Sala Bai Australia is a not-for-profit organisation supported by individuals, companies and other community based organisations whose sole purpose is to raise funds in support of Sala Baï. Each year, the school, trains 100 young disadvantaged Cambodians to the four main professions of the hospitality industry: restaurant waiter/waitress, cook, receptionist & housekeeping attendants. During the 12-month training, the school covers all the training fees (lessons, school supplies, books, uniforms), and daily expenses (accommodations, food, bicycle, insurance and medical expenses) for the students.

The training lasts 11 months from September to July.  The 12th month, August, is dedicated to assist the students to find their first employment.

Every year The ‘Friends of Sala Bai Australia’ pledge $50,000. This money will cover the fees for the students for 1 year as mentioned above. The organisation raises funds and support for Sala Bai Hotel and Restaurant School on an ongoing basis. The students of the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School are a major contributor to the Friends fundraising activities and they presented the friends of Sala Bai with $ 25,076.00. All present on the night contributed to this wonderful cause by buying raffle tickets, wine and champagne during the special wine auction. Everyone was a winner in the raffle and Fritz Gubler donated his wonderful new Champagne books, everyone received a copy and everyone made a donation. They raised $ 26,315.00 on the night and with the funds from the Blue Mountains Hotels School the friends of Sala Bai were able to fulfill their pledge. There are now enough funds for another year of tuition.

We look forward to the next Sala Bai event. For more information on the Friends of Sala Bai Australia visit: www.friendsofsalabai.org or the Sala Bai Hotel School visit www.salabai.com