BY SONAM MIRPURI
WALNUT, CA - The South Asian Helpline and Referral Agency (SAHARA) presented Bollywood star, Neetu Chandra, at their musical evening and fundraiser titled, “Bridge of Support” at the residence of Janak Patel here on Nov 6. SAHARA is a Hindi term which translates into `support.’ The organization is a non-profit which...
WALNUT, CA - The South Asian Helpline and Referral Agency (SAHARA) presented Bollywood star, Neetu Chandra, at their musical evening and fundraiser titled, “Bridge of Support” at the residence of Janak Patel here on Nov 6. SAHARA is a Hindi term which translates into `support.’ The organization is a non-profit which...
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continuously aspires to epitomize the meaning of their name by assisting survivors of all types of abuse in the South Asian community by offering them with culturally-sensitive and linguistically-specific services.
The “Bridge of Support” event conveyed the work SAHARA is doing to help the survivors of abuse as well as sharing other programs SAHARA offers to all age groups: adult and youth.
Cocktails and appetizers started off the evening before the main event kicked off. The Emcee informed the audience about the silent auction, raffle tickets draw, and the pledge drive. The artwork for the silent auction was presented by Vaishali Saste.
It was then time to bring on the star of the evening, Neetu Chandra was introduced as being
known for her roles in the movies ‘GaramMasala’ and ‘Oye Lucky, Lucky Oye.’ She is now an international star after having completed a film in Greece. Once on stage Chandra mentioned a few more accolades for which she is known including promoting basketball.She then went on to share why she supports SAHARA because she felt ``as a woman it is my duty and responsibility to stand against domestic violence.” Marilyn Neece, Interim Executive Director, then spoke about the various programs SAHARA offers.
“We are there to help the women in every possible way,” said Neece.
Unstoppable force as well as the heart and soul of the organization, Brinda Gandhi, President and Board Chair, then came to the stage to say a few words about the funding for SAHARA.
``51% of our funding comes from the government and 49% comes from the community,” disclosed Gandhi. Then she continued to speak about how she feels that the concept of domestic violence needs to be eradicated. “I want this world to be a place where SAHARA is no longer needed,” she emphasized. She then went on to present a video of survivor stories.
Rani Kuusto spoke about the Apna Sapna Club which started 10 months ago and is a volunteer driven safe environment which is culturally sensitive for senior citizens.“We would love to continue this work and help the seniors,” said Kuusto.
Nikita Advani and Emily Chen were then invited to share their experience after participating in the youth program.“The youth program was a great way to spend the summer,” said Advani and Chen.
Janak Patel and Chandra then embarked on the pledge drive, urging guests to open their hearts as well as their wallets and donate to the noble cause. Chandra took to the mic to encourage guests to donate and help SAHARA continue to do the amazing work they were already doing. Brinda Gandhi took time to recognize individuals for their contributions.
The evening came to a close with dinner being served and live entertainment presented by. RramTasildar and Bhavna Chawla who sang a variety of Bollywood tracks to regale the guests as they enjoyed a sumptuous dinner .
The “Bridge of Support” event conveyed the work SAHARA is doing to help the survivors of abuse as well as sharing other programs SAHARA offers to all age groups: adult and youth.
Cocktails and appetizers started off the evening before the main event kicked off. The Emcee informed the audience about the silent auction, raffle tickets draw, and the pledge drive. The artwork for the silent auction was presented by Vaishali Saste.
It was then time to bring on the star of the evening, Neetu Chandra was introduced as being
known for her roles in the movies ‘GaramMasala’ and ‘Oye Lucky, Lucky Oye.’ She is now an international star after having completed a film in Greece. Once on stage Chandra mentioned a few more accolades for which she is known including promoting basketball.She then went on to share why she supports SAHARA because she felt ``as a woman it is my duty and responsibility to stand against domestic violence.” Marilyn Neece, Interim Executive Director, then spoke about the various programs SAHARA offers.
“We are there to help the women in every possible way,” said Neece.
Unstoppable force as well as the heart and soul of the organization, Brinda Gandhi, President and Board Chair, then came to the stage to say a few words about the funding for SAHARA.
``51% of our funding comes from the government and 49% comes from the community,” disclosed Gandhi. Then she continued to speak about how she feels that the concept of domestic violence needs to be eradicated. “I want this world to be a place where SAHARA is no longer needed,” she emphasized. She then went on to present a video of survivor stories.
Rani Kuusto spoke about the Apna Sapna Club which started 10 months ago and is a volunteer driven safe environment which is culturally sensitive for senior citizens.“We would love to continue this work and help the seniors,” said Kuusto.
Nikita Advani and Emily Chen were then invited to share their experience after participating in the youth program.“The youth program was a great way to spend the summer,” said Advani and Chen.
Janak Patel and Chandra then embarked on the pledge drive, urging guests to open their hearts as well as their wallets and donate to the noble cause. Chandra took to the mic to encourage guests to donate and help SAHARA continue to do the amazing work they were already doing. Brinda Gandhi took time to recognize individuals for their contributions.
The evening came to a close with dinner being served and live entertainment presented by. RramTasildar and Bhavna Chawla who sang a variety of Bollywood tracks to regale the guests as they enjoyed a sumptuous dinner .
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