Sometimes our actions have serendipitous results. While planning our fall fundraising event, the board members discussed possible candidates for master of ceremonies. Thanks to connections through board member Liem Nguyen and his wife Yen Le, Jason Davis of KSTP-TV accepted the invite to emcee the event.

Actually, Jason had done a news story on Yen’s family 30 years ago when they emigrated from war-torn Vietnam to Minnesota. He suggested a Le family follow-up story, complete with a return trip to Vietnam highlighting how Yen is paying it forward by helping the children of Anh Linh Free School in Ho Chi Minh City.

The wheels were quickly set in motion. Schedules were cleared. Flights were booked. Visa applications were sent.

So, Liem and Yen, Bob MacMurdo and Jerilyn Fosdick Hirsh (founders), and Bill and Beth Cecchi (sponsors) are off to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on September 16.  The news story is expected to air on KSTP-TV (Channel 5) in November. This is a wonderful opportunity for Bridges to Learning to reach a wider audience.