Philanthropist Le Ly Hayslip speaks to South Walton

Le Ly Hayslip survived the most heinous crimes against women and humanity. She will bring her story to South Walton on June 14.

Hayslip was the subject of Oliver Stone's movie "Heaven and Earth."

Shaped by the crimes against her, Hayslip is not only a survivor, but has given her life to philanthropy and helping the children of her country through her foundation -- The Global Village Foundation.

Philanthropy is described by Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary as an expression of goodwill to fellow men; an active effort to promote human welfare.

Hayslip will speak about her work and her foundation at a dinner party at the home of Faisal and Jenifer Syed in Rosemary Beach. She will be joined by Lydia Dean, founder of Go Philanthropic.

Hayslip is appearing at the invitation of two local philanthropists, Jane Burns and Gina Shiflett.

Burns met Hayslip in Hoi An, Vietnam in February, when she donated a portable library to Hayslip's Global Village Foundation while on a Go Philanthropic Tour.

Hayslip will prepare a traditional Vietnamese dinner for attendees to sample at the event. Admission is $100 per person or $175 per couple. All proceeds go to the Global Village Foundation. Donations of small children's paperback books will be accepted.

"I grew up during the war," explained Burns of her desire to see Vietnam. "Nothing is done by machine there. Ladies in the field do the work. When we presented the donation of the books, the children reacted as if we had thrown money on the floor. It was my first time to visit but it won't be the last."

Hayslip has extended an invitation to Burns to serve on the board of her Global Village Foundation.

"Her foundation is about teaching teachers," said Burns. "Le Ly's main focus is on education in Vietnam, not only trying to improve conditions and supplying books through GVF Portable Library Books Project, but to teach the teachers how to use books in schools, bring books to life and inspire students and teachers for the 21st Century."

Shiflett became involved while styling Burns' hair. Shiflett, owner of Salon Twist, was introduced to Hayslip and Dean by Burns.

"I wanted to open some schools for underprivileged children and expressed this to Jane while cutting her hair. She told me of her donation of the portable library and suggested we have them come here and speak to spread awareness of how little it takes to make drastic changes in the lives of little people," said Shiflett. "I am very passionate about this. These two ladies are so incredibly powerful. I am so blessed to co-host this event."