Travel Notes
Island of Angels
Ku De Ta and IAA foundation work hand in hand in empowering the economically fragile Balinese people.
Employing more than 400 Balinese staff and relying heavily on local produce, Ku De Ta, listed in The Miele Guide section of Asia’s Finest Restaurants, is a pillar of the Seminyak community.
Owner and founder Arthur Chondros, balances the success of Ku De Ta, through his ongoing commitment to I’m An Angel (IAA), the Bali-based charity foundation he established with a partner in 2003, dedicated towards empowering rural Balinese communities.
IAA is now steered by Asana Viebeke Lengkong, who works tirelessly with her team to allocate funds and identify the most urgent needs of rural Balinese. Viebeke talks to village communities to fully understand and appreciate what their individual needs are and then she provides them what they need to improve their quality of life. The funds raised by Ku De Ta support a vast range of activities from healthcare through to hygiene, infrastructure building to education, and environmental awareness. Instead of simply providing aid, the charity is structured to empower communities so they are better able to face the challenges of the future.
Since the needs of every community are different, the methods of IAA’s involvement vary. Some examples include the planting of 1,000 teak trees with long term benefits in mind; free school uniforms and supplies to encourage parents to send their children to school rather than employing them in the rice fields; nutrition programme for school children; and for communities in isolated areas, building roads.
The first dazzling event of Ku De Ta’s 10 year celebrations, the elegant Gala Charity Dinner and Auction that is I’m An Angel is one of the most anticipated events on the Balinese social calendar. This year’s Gala dinner concept was a ‘Black & White’ theme and was held on Saturday 31st July with all proceeds going directly to the I’m An Angel charity foundation.
Now in it’s eight year, the IAA Gala Charity Event has successfully raised more than USD500,000 for the disadvantaged communities of Bali focusing on women, children and the environment. In addition to this annual event, Ku De Ta also donates 10% of selected menu items on an ongoing basis to the foundation, which continue to generate an additional USD30,000 each year.
“It’s our way of giving something back to the very special—but economically fragile—Balinese villages as many tourists are simply unaware of the life for many in Bali beyond the resorts and villas. We will continue to look for additional ways to raise even more funds to help these communities,” said Chondros.
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