UNIVERSAL CITY, CA - The South Asian Helpline and Referral Agency (SAHARA) hosted ‘The Infusion Gala’ on Oct. 4, at the Infusion Lounge in Universal City Walk. The 23rd annual event was held to celebrate the work that Sahara has been doing for decades to enrich the lives of those in need by eradicating domestic violence. In support of this cause, a total of $350K was raised at the event.
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The evening started with more than 300 guests participating in a silent auction which included ethnic jewelry amongst other items. After socializing over cocktails and scrumptious bites, the guests gathered to see how they could pitch in to support SAHARA’s work in the community. The well organized and glittering event saw some influential people of the Indian-American community show up to make contributions towards being a more supportive community.
Archie Punjabi, the Emmy award winning TV actress from ‘The Good Wife’ was the special guest for the evening. She took to the stage and highlighted the amazing work that SAHARA has been dedicatedly doing over the years. Rekha Bajaria, Co- President of the organization was honored with a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ in recognition for her commitment, dedication and service to the South Asian community for the past 23 years. She has generously volunteered thousands of hours in leading the organization, raising funds, and supporting the organization’s mission to support survivors of domestic violence in the South Asian community. The audience clapped and cheered on as she accepted the award and rallied her along as she got emotional while remembering her early days in SAHARA.
Some of the group’s comprehensive programs include Project CARE (Counseling, Advocacy, Rehabilitation/Reintegration and Education) along with Project SEWA (South Asian Elder Wellness Assistance) that focuses on improving the lives of senior citizens through addressing cultural issues They have helped many victims one of who gave a testimonial of the domestic abuse she faced and how now she is leading a happy life with Sahara’s help.Another special guest for the evening was Parvesh Cheena of the TV show ‘Outsourced’ fame who lightened the mood with his humorous remarks and kick started the live auction that raised a total of $74,200 out of which $20,000 was raised for Project CARE, and $23,000 for Project SEWA. Tickets for the taping of ‘The Good Wife’ with Archie Panjabi sold for $7,200, tickets for taping of ‘The Voice’ sold for $4,000 and a Disney Weekend Getaway sold for $3,000. The event’s title sponsor Sarva Mangal Family Trust (SMFT) donated $50,000 and additionally agreed to match every dollar raised over $320,000. Guests tremendously enjoyed the trapeze, contemporary and fusion dance performances.The evening concluded with the announcement of the winners of the silent auction. All major sponsors were also welcomed for a ‘Meet and Greet’ with TV stars Archie Panjabi and Parvesh Cheena.
Archie Punjabi, the Emmy award winning TV actress from ‘The Good Wife’ was the special guest for the evening. She took to the stage and highlighted the amazing work that SAHARA has been dedicatedly doing over the years. Rekha Bajaria, Co- President of the organization was honored with a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ in recognition for her commitment, dedication and service to the South Asian community for the past 23 years. She has generously volunteered thousands of hours in leading the organization, raising funds, and supporting the organization’s mission to support survivors of domestic violence in the South Asian community. The audience clapped and cheered on as she accepted the award and rallied her along as she got emotional while remembering her early days in SAHARA.
Some of the group’s comprehensive programs include Project CARE (Counseling, Advocacy, Rehabilitation/Reintegration and Education) along with Project SEWA (South Asian Elder Wellness Assistance) that focuses on improving the lives of senior citizens through addressing cultural issues They have helped many victims one of who gave a testimonial of the domestic abuse she faced and how now she is leading a happy life with Sahara’s help.Another special guest for the evening was Parvesh Cheena of the TV show ‘Outsourced’ fame who lightened the mood with his humorous remarks and kick started the live auction that raised a total of $74,200 out of which $20,000 was raised for Project CARE, and $23,000 for Project SEWA. Tickets for the taping of ‘The Good Wife’ with Archie Panjabi sold for $7,200, tickets for taping of ‘The Voice’ sold for $4,000 and a Disney Weekend Getaway sold for $3,000. The event’s title sponsor Sarva Mangal Family Trust (SMFT) donated $50,000 and additionally agreed to match every dollar raised over $320,000. Guests tremendously enjoyed the trapeze, contemporary and fusion dance performances.The evening concluded with the announcement of the winners of the silent auction. All major sponsors were also welcomed for a ‘Meet and Greet’ with TV stars Archie Panjabi and Parvesh Cheena.
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