Annual Project Access Keys to Success Gala Will Showcase a Culture of Change

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., August 13, 2012 – A celebration of the panoply of cultures represented by the residents of affordable housing communities throughout California served by Project Access Resource Centers will be a highlight of the nonprofit’s 7th Annual Keys to Success Gala and fundraiser.

Themed A Culture of Change, the event is slated for Saturday, September 8 starting at 6:30 PM at world-renowned Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, one of California's finest and Orange County's largest museums.

This year, the Project Access Keys to Success Award will be given to Brian Murphy, the president of Athletes First, an Irvine-based professional sports agency, and a highly respected community advocate who is devoted to making a difference in the lives of the low-income population. Among the organizations he has supported are Orangewood Children’s Foundation, the Festival of Children Foundation and the Thomas House.

The 40 plus Resource Centers operated by Project Access foster a culture of change by assisting residents from a broad range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds to improve their lives through education, employment, wellness, and financial capability, among other programs.

“As the home of art from many regions and cultures of the world, Bowers Museum is a perfect venue for our gala given the dozens of different ethnicities and cultures, from Mandarin Chinese to Mexican, represented by Project Access,” said CEO Kristin Byrnes.

“We urge prospective supporters to help us change reality for our residents by becoming part of our culture of change through their support of our mission.”

The Gala will also feature internationally themed entertainment, including the flamenco band Sazon; the Outer Circle Crew performing as Chinese-style fan dancers and ninja acrobats; and Son Merekumbe, a group of African drummers and Latin American dancers.

Guests will have an array of silent auction items, including gourmet dinners, vacation getaways and upscale retail items and services, to bid on. They will also be treated to a live auction with opportunities for fabulous trips and other one-of-a-kind experiences, such as a VIP trip to the 2013 Super Bowl.

Gala tickets are priced at $250 each and the public is invited to attend. Contact Rachel Sanchez at rsanchez@project-access.org or 949.253.6200, ext.305 to purchase tickets and for further information.

Proceeds will go to support vital health, employment and education programs that help eliminate barriers and give residents a better opportunity to achieve long-term success. Sponsorships are still available.

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