Coming up on their annual gala, Face Forward announces partnership with Cambodian Children's Fund and the reconstructive surgery they will give to a young girl and her mother who suffered acid attacks. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / PRURGENT
Beverly Hills, CA -- Face Forward International announces its newest international partnership with the Cambodian Children’s Fund, an organization that supports and helps children in the most impoverished communities in Cambodia, through education, family care, community development, healthcare, and much more. Face Forward will be providing reconstructive surgery this summer to Malita, a young girl from Cambodia, and her mother who are both survivors of an acid attack.
Face Forward is the premier charitable organization offering reconstructive surgeries for survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking and other acts of violence, which also includes veterans and children of war in their international outreach efforts. Face Forward has recently developed several new partnerships with other nonprofits throughout the US, UK, Jordan, and now Cambodia - serving survivors of violent, disfiguring crimes.
“I was so honored and humbled to visit Cambodia and have the chance to meet with Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF) founder Scott Neeson. I was so personally inspired by the incredible work of Scott and his team with the children and families they serve. We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with them and the upcoming arrival of our first patients Malita and her mum. Malita is a brave and wonderful young girl, she and her mother were victims of a horrific acid attack by a close relative. Face Forward will begin their reconstructive surgery this summer and together our teams will support Malita and her mum as they continue their healing journeys and look to a bright future ahead.”
Additionally, Face Forward International will honor Scott Neeson, the founder of CCF, at their annual Gala on September 14th at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons. Scott was the former President of 20th Century Fox International in Hollywood, but after a trip to Phnom Penh he was moved by the conditions he saw the children living in. He resigned from his job, sold all of his possessions and started the Cambodian Children’s Fund. The CCF focuses on 6 core areas - education, leadership, community outreach, healthcare, childcare, and career and life skills - to support the children and families living in this area. Scott will be the Honoree recipient of the Humanitarian award at the gala.
“After 15 years in the worst parts of Cambodia, it's easy to get jaded. The association with Face Forward has proven that effective, responsive and above all, compassionate organizations do exist,” said Scott Neeson, Founder and Executive Director of CCF.
“Meeting Deborah in person provided an insight into why such a uniquely effective organization exists: Deborah is on the front line meeting those forgotten victims in greatest need with unflinching compassion.
“I first met Malita when she was about six years old and have watched her grow up and begin to thrive. During that time, she has had to undergo painful treatments and her courage has been remarkable.
“It’s wonderful that Malita has been given this hope and potentially her mother.”
Malita was injured in an acid attack when she was less than three years old, suffering extensive burns to her body, including her face and arms. Her mother was also left scarred and blind when someone threw a noxious substance over both of them as they stood outside a relative’s house in Phnom Penh. Malita has since undergone several surgeries and treatment. Now aged 14, Malita studies full-time in the CCF Education Program, where she is an excellent Grade 9 student. Her favorite subject is physics and her ambition is to go to university to study
film and media, and eventually become a film director. Malita and her mother have never left Cambodia before, so the forthcoming trip to the U.S. will be their first time overseas.
In addition to this great partnership, Face Forward International announces its 10th Annual Gala “HIGHLANDS TO THE HILLS” SCOTTISH GALA is a true celebration of survivors. The goal of the annual event is to unite communities from Hollywood, to Corporate partners, to the elite of Beverly Hills, together raising funds and awareness for the work they do to help survivors receive the surgical and emotional support care they need. The phenomenal yearly gala attracts and honors some of the entertainment industry’s biggest stars and raises money to provide physical and emotional support to victims of domestic abuse, human trafficking, and violent attacks. With approximately 650 guests in attendance, including a celebrity filled red-carpet, Fortune 500 Business and the elite of Beverly Hills and Hollywood, the goal is to raise $500,000+ during the night to help support even more patients from around the globe. This signature fundraising event has been recognized for being “THE best charity gala in L.A.!” Prior year musical performers have included top acts like Robin Thicke, Chaka Khan, Nelly, Macy Gray, Brian McKnight and Ne-Yo. Honorees and talents have included names like LaToya Jackson, Kelly Osbourne, Marcia Gay Harden, Tom Arnold, Mel B, Byron Scott, Lana Parrilla, Caitlyn Jenner and many more. |
