LOCAL NON-FOR-PROFIT REACH SUPPORTS GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP INITIATIVE IN DURBIN, SOUTH AFRICA DENVER, CO—June 1, 2019: The Colorado REACH Conference and Gala will be hosting a fundraiser gala event at the Cable Center on Denver University’s campus at 2000 Buchtel Blvd S, Denver, CO 80210 on Saturday June 1st, 2019 at 6:00pm. Proceeds from the fundraiser event will go towards providing an entrepreneurial training program to The Phoenix Settlement Center in Durbin, South Africa under the leadership of Ela Gandhi (granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi). This program will be made possible with the assistance of Colorado entrepreneurs teaching technical and business skills to further the villagers’ education and create economic sustainability. In addition, the State of Colorado SBDC (Small Business Development Coalition) has committed to utilizing the Leading-Edge entrepreneurship curriculum as a foundation in building the training program. It is REACH goal and vision to take Colorado Entrepreneurs who understand the basics of Leading-Edge to Durbin, South Africa to then give this training and basics to the villagers there in a manner that can be recreated, taught to others, and successfully and sustainably implemented. Funds raised at the gala event will go towards putting this team of entrepreneurs together, offset travel costs, and provide additional tools and resources to Phoenix Settlement residents. REACH (Respecting Ethnic and Cultural Heritage) is a 501 C (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to developing equity in communities and education. REACH works directly with educators to provide training on how to best bring a multicultural approach and lens to the classroom. REACH also works with all kinds of corporations, businesses, and institutions to provide equity and diversity training. Last summer REACH director Michelle Campbell visited South Africa and had the pleasure of touring and learning the history of The Phoenix Settlement in Durbin, South Africa. The Settlement was founded in 1904 by Mahatma Gandhi. The Center was originally founded as a retreat and safe space for the growing Indian population in South Africa. The building that housed the original printing press used to print Gandhi’s newspaper ‘Indian Opinion’ still stands today and is used to house a moderate computer lab for villagers. The settlement today is used as a multi-purpose, educational campus housing the computer lab and school buildings for African and Indian children. During the tour Michelle asked what she could do to support and be a part of the Settlement Center. The main need Ms. Gandhi said the Settlement was lacking was a way for villagers and residents to sustainably support themselves. Many of the villagers are artisans and are quite creative in making use of their resources to sell to tourists and villagers. However, they are lacking skills to really make their creations a sustainable economic reality for them. What Ms. Gandhi wished for was a program or course that could teach residents how to have basic entrepreneurial and business skills to better support themselves and become economically independent and successful. This is what REACH is working to make a reality. The gala fundraiser on June 1st will take place in a few different parts. First, guests will join REACH donors at their homes for an intimate dinner from 4:00pm-6:00pm with special appearances by Colorado artisans that will have work featured at the gala. Here the artist will give a short presentation about their work and process. At 6:00pm guests and hosts will make their way to the Cable Center for the gala and auction. Here there will be drinks and desserts and the opportunity to bid on a number of wonderful and fun items consisting of artwork and items sourced from Colorado artists and businesses like hardwood furniture from Urban Hardwood Furniture. There will also be opportunities to win trips, vacations, and other experiences. All items will be auctioned in a silent and live auction. You can support REACH’s Global Entrepreneurial initiative by purchasing tickets to the gala or by donating through REACH’s website. We hope to see you at the gala! For more information or information on how to support contact Michelle Campbell by email at Michelle@coREACHconf.com or by phone at (303) 872-9210.
Saturday Jun 1, 2019
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM MDT
at 2000 Buchtel Blvd S, Denver, CO 80210
Michelle Campbell by email at Michelle@coREACHconf.com or by phone at (303) 872-9210.