Free Burma Alliance - Image from Benefit

Free Burma Alliance's (FBA) first fundraiser and advocacy event was a smashing success. Co-hosted by the FBA's executive director, filmmaker Jeremy Taylor, and Network 355's founder Elana Tchainikova at the renowned Friar's Club in New York City was packed with nearly 200 people -- including members of the press -- for this kick-off event.

The evening offered entertainment from a traditional Burmese dancer, magician Oz Pearlman, comedian Yannis Pappas, and sexy Japanese violinist Sarina--who was the hit of the evening. An open bar and buffet-dinner of authentic Burmese dishes was also included and the trailer from Taylor-directed documentary "Burma: An Indictment" was screened.


The April 7th event raised $20,000 to provide food, shelter, education and medical care for the orphaned Burmese children who have made it to safety in Thailand. It succeeded in supporting two charitable interests -- the Mae Tao clinic and Heroes Serving Humanity -- groups having a real impact on the lives of Burmese children, both these refugees and the IDPs hiding in the Burmese jungle. For example, the $5000 donated to the clinic provides malaria testing and treatment for 869 children, or school supplies for 1,250 kids for an entire year.

A complete sell-out, it went far beyond expectations in raising money and signaling the start of the Free Burma Alliance (FBA) and Network 355.

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