2019 Annual Gala

The Karen Organization of Minnesota will hold our annual gala on Thursday, October 10th, 2019, at the Anderson Center at Hamline University.

Join us for a social hour with a cash bar, a silent auction, plated dinner, and a short program highlighting young leaders in the Karen community and KOM’s new strategic direction. Proceeds from the gala will support our programs helping refugees thrive in Minnesota.

Meet Our Speakers

We are excited to hear from Gay Ka Mwee, Neymu Tor, and Ser Nai Htoo, three influential young adult leaders!

Gay Ka Mwee is originally from Myanmar, previously known as Burma. She is among the 70,000

Karen refugees who have resettled in the United States. Gay Ka Mwee came from Nu Poe Refugee Camp to the United States in March 2011 with her family at the age of 11. She says, “My family escaped war, oppression, human rights violations, and unstoppable conflicts between the Karen and Myanmar militaries to seek a better life, freedom, and opportunities.”

Gay Ka Mwee is currently attending Metropolitan State University majoring in Human Services (BS). Because of all the civil wars, oppression and persistent killings in Myanmar she has seen and experienced,  she has “always dreamed of becoming an ambitious, influential, inspirational and successful 20-year old Karen leader. That way I can help stop the human rights violations in Myanmar and change Myanmar into a new and free nation with a true democracy that includes liberty and justice for all.”

Neymu Tor was born in Burma. His parents moved to Mae Ra Ma Luang refugee camp in Thailand when he was about eight years old. Neymu came to the United States in 2010 and graduated from East Kentwood High School in Kentwood Michigan in 2013. After graduating from high school he worked at “Ranir Inc” as a machine operator. He also worked as an interpreter at Bethany Christian Services and Refugee Center in Grand Rapids Michigan for a few years.

Neymu says he “came to live in Minnesota to continue my education, to learn about the Karen community, and to work. Currently I am studying at Century College, and in the future as a human services student I hope to work in a community and help people – especially Karen people – to solve problems and improve their lives.”

Ser Nai Htoo was born in a refugee camp in Thailand after his parents fled from civil war in Myanmar. Ser Nai says, “I came to the U.S with my family in 2009, and I was 19 years old at the time. I was fortunate enough to finish High school and go to college. I graduated from Century College with an Associate degree in Law Enforcement in 2017. I’ve been working with St. Paul Police Department as a Community Liaison Officer since 2016.”

Ser Nai’s goal is to further his education and to become a valuable resource for people who are in need. He is now married and has one beautiful daughter.

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED!

If you already registered, check your email this week for updates and information about the event. Thank you!

2019 Annual Gala Ticket Prices

Individual Tickets: $70/ticket ($55/ticket for students and seniors age 65+)

Sponsorships: Download our Sponsor Letter for more information on sponsorship benefits. Donations due Sept. 20th.

Silent Auction: Download our Silent Auction Letter for more information on how to donate. Donations due Sept. 27th.

Reserve your tickets

To pay by check: Mail your completed individual registration form or sponsor registration form to KOM, or bring it to our office during business hours.

To pay by credit card: Register online using our secure form. (REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED)