Timothy Michael Gallery and SOCA: The Shops on Oak Street In
Historic Roswell to Host
Fund Raising Event For School in Cambodia
Goal To Raise $13,000 To Found 'Heart to Heart' School
ATLANTA, GA - August 15, 2007 - The Timothy Michael Gallery and, along with SOCA: The Shops on Oak Street, Roswell's Gourmet, Fine Art, and Design Center SoCA shops in Roswell, have been inspired towill host a fundraising event on October 20, 2007 to raise funds for a school in Cambodia. Inspired by an Atlanta couple who want to change the face of education in Cambodia,. Jennifer and Michael Schwartz of Atlanta were spurred into action this past Valentine's Day when they watched a news program that brought to life the destruction the communist Khmer Rouge regime had on institutions in Cambodia, namely education.
"We feel very passionate about the power of education," Mrs. Schwartz said when talking about the desire to help. "We are excited about being able to do something with such a tangible and impactful result. This program gives these children a school - equipped with teachers, books, computers and internet Internet access - and with it, a future," Mrs. Schwartz continued. A local family portrait photographer and mother of two, Mrs. Schwartz knows the value education can bring to a child's future.
The couple is working with American Assistance for Cambodia, a non-profit organization devoted to "improving opportunities for the youth and rural poor in Cambodia." Bernie Krisher is the founder of the American Assistance for Cambodia (AAfC) who recently visited Atlanta on a trip from Tokyo where he'd been doing work with a sister organization. AAfC has helped build over 300 primary and lower secondary schools in Cambodia since 1999. Donors are asked to pay US$13,000 that will be matched by the World Bank and Asian Development Bank, through Cambodia's Social Fund and Ministry of Education.
The Schwartz's have undertaken a year-long fundraising effort - spanning from Valentine's Day '07 to Valentines' Day '08, thus the name 'Heart to Heart' (http://www.hearttoheartschool.org) - to raise the money necessary to build one of the schools. The October 20th event hosted by the Timothy Michael Gallery and the SOCA: The Shops on Oak Street,SoCA shops is the first event in a series of fund raising efforts the couple has planned. The gallery Timothy Michael Gallery will has offered to host the event at the gallery located at 39 Oak Street in Roswell. All the shops in SOCA will , donate a percentage of sales that evening along with products such as artwork, clothing, furniture, gifts, and accessories and will donate art for the silent auction.
Other SOCA shops plan to participate in a similar fashion. " When Jennifer came to Timothy and me I about this opportunity, we felt compelled to act," said Donna McDonald, Timothy's wife and the gallery's director, commented. "Things we take for granted in this country are not easily afforded overseas. These children are suffering from decades of tyranny that we have the resources to help them overcome."
Michael Schwartz agrees. "While not perfect, we are fortunate in this country to have public education for our children. The Khmer Rouge regime took those institutions away from these communities and we feel we can do something about it."
"SOCA is pleased to host and fund this exciting event which helps to educate children in Third World countries," said Ralph Mills, SOCA Center Owner. "This is truly a unique center, with caring shop owners who enjoy giving back to the community as well as providing a unique blend of design, art, and gourmet products not found in your usual strip centers."
About American Assistance for Cambodia:
American Assistance for Cambodia (AAfC)/ Japan Relief for Cambodia (JRfC) are independent nonprofit
organizations dedicated to providing opportunities for the youth and rural poor in Cambodia. American
Assistance for Cambodia is registered in the United States as a 501(c)3 tax-deductible nonprofit
organization, and Japan Relief for Cambodia is licensed to receive tax-deductible donations in Japan
through the Keidanren's Council for Better Cooperate Citizenship (CBCC). Within Cambodia, AAfC / JRfC is
recognized by the Kingdom of Cambodia as one nonprofit organization. Founded in 1993 by American journalist
Bernie Krisher, AAfC operates interlinked programs across Cambodia in the areas of education, health,
rural development, and technology. To learn more about the AAfC visit http://www.cambodiaschools.com.
ABOUT SOCA:
SOCA, Roswell's Gourmet, Fine Art, and Design Center, is among the most avant-garde shopping
destinations in the area. Located off Highway 9 on Oak Street, across the street from Roswell
Presbyterian Church and catty corner from Krispy Kreme, shoppers step back in time to the days
prior to cookie-cutter strip malls, where shopping was an event enjoyed by the whole family.
Visitors to SOCA enjoy a one-of-a-kind shopping experience off the beaten path, a treasure trove of
art, design, gourmet, and specialty shops.
The center contains KooKoo Bear Kids, which offers designer kids' rooms, gifts, and accessories. The Timothy Michael Gallery features original work of Timothy Michael plus other international and local artists. La Bella Vie specializes in interior design concepts highlighted by imported fabrics, furniture and decorating elements along with design consultation. Eclectic Electric showcases the work of artists whose specialty includes table and floor lamps, chandeliers and sconces. Family owned Oak Street Café serves delectable lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch to hungry shoppers of all ages. Aura Hair & Makeup (www.aurahm.com) brings award winner couture coloring, makeup, and style to the center. For additional information, visit The Shops of SoCa.
About Timothy Michael Gallery The Timothy Michael Gallery features works of art from Timothy Michael and other artists. Timothy Michael's style is identified by his unique juxtaposition of images to create visual puzzles and stories. His paintings are bold. His landscapes have range of themes and wonderful combinations of color. His figurative work lends to lyrical expression. Other artists featured in the gallery include Kathryn Fortson, Donna Castro-Hughes, Leann Marie Zafuto, Marisa Marinetto, MG Perkins, Signe Grushovenko, and Zheng Li. For more information, visit http://www.tmichaelfineart.com or call 770.594.9511.