The gala marked the launch of the “We Are Tiny Toones” fundraising campaign, which seeks to raise $50,000 to reform and sustain the school. Supplied
Tiny Toones, a Phnom Penh school that provides free education and mentorship to at-risk children, was the focus of a successful fundraising gala hosted by the Cambodia-Israel Chamber of Commerce (CICC).
The event aimed to secure the future of the school, which has been a beacon of hope for underprivileged children, offering them creative outlets and the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty.
The gala marked the launch of the “We Are Tiny Toones” fundraising campaign, which seeks to raise $50,000 to reform and sustain the school.
The event raised nearly $9,000 through a charity auction featuring artwork created by Cambodian youth in collaboration with professional artists, reinforcing the school’s mission to foster creativity, self-expression and education for all.
Founded in 2005, Tiny Toones has positively impacted the lives of over 10,000 children, offering free education with a focus on tolerance, self-expression, and creativity through music, dance and art. Supplied
Moran Hadad, president of the CICC and a well-known social entrepreneur, shared his views on the collective responsibility to sustain Tiny Toones.
“Saving Tiny Toones is not a one-man job. It is the responsibility of all Cambodian people. We must come together as a community to support the extraordinary work done by the school's management team,” Hadad said.
“These children were neglected by society, and it is therefore our common responsibility to make sure they have a fair chance for a good future,” he added.
The charity auction marked the finale of the “I Am Great” art competition.
This collaborative initiative brought together Cambodian at-risk youth from five partner NGOs —Tiny Toones, ISF Cambodia, Ptea Clara, Aokas and COLT — with professional artists.
The event raised nearly $9,000 through a charity auction featuring artwork created by Cambodian youth. Supplied
The competition celebrated creativity and the power of collaboration, showcasing art that tells the story of the transformative experience between the youth and the artists.
The auction saw 18 out of the 22 artworks sold.
Among the standout pieces were Van Vart’s masterpiece Life of Nature, which earned the Grand Prize, Mony Nearth Ponn’s sculpture I am Great as the First Runner-Up, and Chrieya Chhin’s oil painting Charlotte the Artist, which claimed the Young Talent Prize.
These works showcased the incredible talent of the at-risk youth supported by the school.
These talented young artists and their professional mentors delivered a powerful message of resilience, creativity and the importance of education and self-expression for youth.
The funds will be used to restructure the school’s administration, improve its facilities and implement a sustainable model for future growth.
Founded in 2005, Tiny Toones has positively impacted the lives of over 10,000 children, offering free education with a focus on tolerance, self-expression, and creativity through music, dance and art.
Despite the school’s tremendous impact, financial constraints threaten its future, making this campaign essential for its survival.
“With about 80% of its kids reintegrated into the national schooling system, Tiny Toones is more than just a school — it’s a safe space and support system,” said Leap Pheakna, project lead at Born for Greatness.
“This campaign is about securing the school’s future and ensuring that these children continue to have opportunities for learning and personal growth. The alternative is for these kids to return to the streets, and that is not an option we are willing to accept,” she added.
The event also benefited from the contributions of artists, sponsors, and partners, including Sra’Art Gallery, CashewNotes Cambodia, AZ-Group and others.
The “We Are Tiny Toones” campaign will continue over the next four months, with community engagement activities, social media outreach and surprise public events designed to involve individuals and organizations in supporting this vital initiative.
Tiny Toones remains a beacon of hope for at-risk children in Phnom Penh, providing a nurturing environment where young minds are empowered to explore their potential and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
Donations for the “We Are Tiny Toones” campaign can be made through the official donation platforms, or via the link here.
Every contribution, big or small, helps ensure the continued success of Tiny Toones and the future of the children it serves.
