From the moment the concert began I knew there wasn't going to be any need for candidates nor a process of elimination. Kantha Bopha is one of those stories that when it first touches you, it never stops. The organization was originally founded in the 70s. When the Khmer Rouge took control of the country, the foreign staff was forced out and the organization ceased to exist. Following the genocide and with the ousting of the regime from power, the Cambodian people started to pick up the remaining pieces of their country. In 1991, the king recognized the need to bring back foreign health care experience to help those most vital to the future prosperity of the country. This is where the lead cello of the evening's program comes in. In fact the only piece in the orchestra, Dr Beat Richner, a young doctor with the Swiss Red Cross who worked at the original Kantha Bopha children's hospital during the 70s was asked by the King to head up its new incarnation. The concert was a mix of Bach's incredible cello suites and Dr Richner masterfully playing the proverbial heart strings. The experience was stunning, horrifying, enlightening, and any number of other adjectives you'd care to toss in. He touches upon everything from the spread of easily curable diseases to his refusal of assistance from the World Heath Organization which he says require him to provide 3rd world health care in league with the conditions in the country he works. It is a shocking and certainly memorable accusation. By refusing help he hopes to change the way these organizations go about their business while he goes about raising the money he needs from anyone and everyone willing to give it. As he unabashedly said during the concert, "if you are below 40 we need your blood, if you are above 40 we want your money."

Kantha Bopha is an amazing organization and we are proud to help in whatever way we can. If you are planning to visit Cambodia, you will most certainly find yourself in Phenom Penh or Siem Reap. Please take time out from visiting temples or killing fields to give blood, money or better yet both to help this wonderful cause. You can find more information and a brief video regarding Kantha Bopha here and more info here.