HOUSTON, TX — The University of Houston Vietnamese Student Association (UH VSA) will be hosting a charity fashion show and cultural performance night to benefit Sunflower Mission, a local nonprofit that assists needy children of Vietnam by building schools and giving scholarships. The event is set for 7-10 p.m. Nov. 12, 2006 at the Houston Room at the University of Houston Center, 51 University Center.

“This is a great opportunity to fundraise for a noble charity, as well as showcase some incredibly talented work done by young local designers,” said Bao Huong Hoang, 21. She is the president of UH VSA and a senior psychology major. She is also a Pearland High School graduate.

Elena Tran, Sunflower Mission president, believes education is key for all students. “Those with an opportunity to attend a university in Houston and are committed to contributing their talents for this partnership tells a beautiful story. It’s about making connections to enable those in Vietnam a chance to further their education. We greatly admire the work that UH VSA is doing,” Tran said.

Along with showcasing the talents of local Vietnamese and Filipino fashion designers, the event includes traditional and modern cultural performances from student groups, a raffle of donated items, and a date auction.

As part of the community outreach for the event, award-winning architect Chung Nguyen, AIA, of MC² Architects has agreed to be the “celebrity auctionee” for an advisory lunch date – all to benefit Sunflower Mission. He is an alumni of UH as well as Columbia University in New York.

Channel 11 KHOU’s Chau Nguyen has agreed to be the honorable Mistress of Ceremonies.

“I’m hoping the community is open and receptive to this very unique event,” said Hoang. “If you would like to sponsor the event, you can do so in many ways.”

Sponsorship levels begin at $125; there are also $250 and $500 levels. Individual tickets are $10 for presale; $15 at the door. To purchase tickets, contact bthoang @ uh.edu