(1) Alicia Wollerton,. an adult mentor,  performs with Project kids during the 16th Annual Virginia Avenue Project   (VAP) fundraiser at Casa Del Mar on October 16, 2008. (2) Project kids (left to right) Miku Yoshida, 13, (left) and Sarina Van Zyl, 16, perform a scene "Noise Annoys" during the fundraiser. (3) Project kids (left to right)   Amanda Jacobson, 17, Miku Yoshida, 13, Sarina Van Zyl, 16, and Sandra English, 10.  (4)  Oscar nominated actress and Golden Globe winner, Annette Bening speaks after receiving the Art For Heart's Sake award  during the VAP 16 Year Celebration. (5) California Arts Council Chair, Michael Alexander (left) holds his "Community Hero Award" and writer/actor/comic Harry Shearer (right) holds his "True Original Award."  The Virginia Avenue Project is a free, afterschool program that uses the performing arts in conjunction with long-term, one-on-one mentoring to help kids discover their full potential.  Through a sequence of writing and performing programs, Project kids develop life skills and give voice to their creativity. The Project was founded sixteen years ago with support from The Nathan Cummings Foundation, The Threshold Foundation, The Ann M. Martin Foundation, and The Educational Foundation of America. Their community partner is the Santa Monica Police Activities League (PAL) - where they offer year-long classes, workshops, and academic enrichment and tutoring. The Project provides programs that give kids the experience of success and the self-confidence it inspires.