Code Spoken Word 2010

This post is an update on the Code Spoken Word event I had mentioned in an earlier post. After quite a few hurdles, the event took off and was quite successful. Mind you, we were dealing with last minute issues with our original venue, competing against the MIA concert (didn’t even happen!), and loads of other events in the LA area. Thank you to everyone that performed, attended and supported our local artists as well as Vittana students. Also thank you to our various volunteers on the day.

Here are some photographs from the night:

To see more images from that night, visit Code’s Facebook Page.

Also, a HUGE thanks to all those that contributed to making Code a successful event:

**Vik Dee from After Hours Ent: I can’t even explain how great Vik was through the whole planning process. Not only is he a great DJ with an excellent selection of music, he’s easy and fun to work with. Two thumbs up, people! Call him for your next event.

**Marwa from Vela Scarves: Marwa is a young, up and coming designer in the Muslim community. She is the CEO of her own company and her beautiful hijabs have already been featured on various blogs. Keep your eyes peeled for a blog post on our collaboration shoot in the next few weeks. To support Code and Vittana, Marwa donated three of her designer hijabs for the raffle.

**Larvell Hood: For filming the event for us.

**Nathan Richardson, Haneefa, Shams Kazi, Shazia Bhombal: These four were the core organizers of the event and I am so proud to have worked so closely with them. They’re a phenomenally patient, compassionate and dedicated group.

**IMAN Cultural Center: They saved our butts – plain and simple. Our first venue was scheduled and confirmed. Chairs had been ordered, the menu had been finalized…we even incorporated valet parking! Unfortunately due to some unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, the first venue became unavailable – three days before our event. Yes you heard me…three days. Of course we all immediately held a quick meeting and delegated areas of LA to scout. IMAN graciously saved our event. They truly have served the Los Angeles area as a community center.

With the money raised from the event, Code has already lent nearly $700 to 5 college students through Vittana:

* Juan Alberto Ramos Torres – Education
* Rogelio Javier Ramirez – Accounting
* Maria Cruz – Fashion Design
*Leinad Daniel Castillo Palacios – Business Administration
*Luis Alfred Delvalle Riquelme – Radiology
*Marvin Calero Gonzalez – Law

At the end of the night, a few of us decided to unwind at the local boba shop.