A gala dinner in support of the Nginn Karet Foundation for Cambodia – arguably one of Siem Reap’ most important cultural resources and ambassadors – will be held at Thomannon temple, just outside Angkor Thom, on Tuesday, December 29.

The foundation, created by Ravynn Coxon in 1994, is based in Banteay Srei, where it runs health, education and agricultural programs in support of the nearby rural community.

In 2007, she also established the Preah Ream Buppha Devi NKFC Conservatoire, which at its peak trained 170 students in classical Cambodian performance arts, among them the Sacred Dancers of Angkor, a 30-strong dance troupe renowned for its exquisite, spiritual performances.

Their work is recognised by UNESCO, and the dancers have performed in the US while contributing to workshops with national and local dance and ballet troupes, including the Boston, Washington and Los Angeles ballet companies. 

But despite the troupe’s commitment to presenting authentic, spiritual performances and an international reputation, a funding crisis threatens their future, and Coxon has been forced to ramp up fundraising efforts. 

Raffles le Grand d’Angkor will cater the dinner, with a four-course Khmer set menu or five-course Western menu, including lobster, grilled and spiced on the Khmer menu, or baked with Cajun potato and a chive butter sauce on the Western.

The Sacred Dancers of Angkor will present one of their performances in Thomannon on the evening. 

Tickets for the event cost $195, and can be bought through Phoenix Voyages, who are coordinating the event.