State-of-the-Art Multi-Media Arts Center donated by Vietnamese Pop Star Ha Phuong

Music was heard throughout Main Branch as members, staff, and friends gathered to celebrate the opening of the Ha Phuong Multi-Media Arts Center on Saturday. Vietnamese pop star Ha Phuong chose the Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove to mark her inaugural foundation project and resulted in a state-of-the-art multi-media arts center available for hundreds of youth in Orange County to enjoy. More than $100,000 in building renovations and top-of-the-line equipment has been installed at our Main Branch in less than a week, right down to the smallest details.

"A multi-media arts center has been a dream of ours for years, and this generous donation will be a wonderful gift for our members," says Pat Halberstadt, Chief Professional Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove. "As we strive to serve more teens with activities that engage and encourage them, this center will not only unleash their creativity but also will give them skills and aspirations. We are very grateful to Ha Phuong, her Foundation and her vision which will provide our kids with programs that will serve them well into the future."

Ha Phuong is a popular Vietnamese singer and actress who has released 12 solo albums and numerous other compilation CDs. She has also starred in a number of films and Vietnamese soap operas. Ha Phuong has performed live in concert internationally as well as in the U.S., including at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.

"I've been given a chance to use the opportunities afforded to me for the benefit of children in need," said Ha Phuong. "I am excited to be able to give back to the children of Orange County via this center that will not only offer access to music and the arts, but provide young people relevant career training that will allow them to advance their goals and improve their station in life."

Cheyenne, a member of Fitz sang "Wind Beneth My Wings" to open the celebration followed by a set from the Fitz Band. The members showed off their talents while getting a first hand look at the potential of the new center.

Many thanks to Chinh Chu and his wife Ha Phuong. With their vision, our dream becomes a reality. A huge thank you also goes to Don Schlensker and DSI Construction whose team worked around the clock to complete the project in record time.

For photos of the construction, new multi-media arts center, and grand opening, please visit our gallery.