SAHARA’s Successful Fundraising Event
“Pati Devo Bhava,” my mother told me. Then why did my “Devo” beat me?”, was the heart-wrenching question that Anjali, a domestic violence survivor asked an audience of over 350 guests at SAHARA’s 21 st annual fundraiser. The courage and resilience of Preeti, another survivor, got a resounding applause when she shared how her life was broken and how SAHARA assisted her out of acute depression and now, living at the SAHARA transitional home she is working on two jobs to see her son become a physician in the years to come. Anjali and Preeti are testimonies to SAHARA’s tireless efforts for empowering their clients, so that they get a second chance at a happy, independent and successful future.
‘Ticket to Freedom, Passport to the World’ the red carpet event held at MS International, Inc.’s elegant showroom in Orange on the evening of 13 th October, 2012 showcased an international theme in food and music. The evening featured a silent auction displaying a dazzling list of goods and services donated by SAHARA supporters, a live auction hosted by Parvesh Cheena of Outsourced fame, and Deepak Chopra, a Bollywood dance by Amna Mazin and team, a Flamenco dance by Arleen Hurtado and team, Taiko drummers, and much more. Parvesh Cheena brought awareness to SAHARA’s mission while keeping the audience enthralled with his wit.
A stunning fashion show by Rohini Bedi’s models and melodious notes of the saxophone player, Ramesh Maharaj, added tremendous vivacity to the evening. The guests enjoyed strolling through the beautifully landscaped gardens lit with outdoor waterfalls and fireplaces.
“Our supporters always come through for us,” a beaming Rekha Bajaria, the Board President ,stated at the end of the day. SAHARA raised a net of over $225,000 that phenomenal event sponsored by Sarva Mangal Family Trust, dinner hosted by long-time supporters Deepak and Nandini Chopra and other items sponsored by Jitu and Bhavana Shah. SAHARA Board members Reshma Block and Sona Shah shared with the audience the impact created by SAHARA over the last year - assisted 162 new domestic violence clients, provided 2,112 nights of shelter, 6,240 hours of client case management, 118 hours of legal aid, 317 hours of mental health counseling and enrollment of 91 students at its Education Center. They also stressed upon the need for culturally sensitive services as provided by SAHARA as domestic violence is unfortunately prevalent in all cultures and across all socio-economic strata.
The guests enjoyed the evening well into the night. Navneet Chugh of The Chugh Firm said, “The best event I have ever attended in Socal!” Manu and Rika Shah of MS International, Inc. congratulated SAHARA on the professionalism in execution and the creativity that went into ensuring that a successful event could be held at places other than a hotel as well. Dr. Mahesh and Sadhna Sejpal were happy to see the second generation participating in SAHARA and taking it forward.
‘Ticket to Freedom, Passport to the World’ was not just an international evening enjoyed by SAHARA guests, but it was also a passport for SAHARA clients to achieve freedom in the world, freedom from abuse, freedom from unhappiness and freedom from helplessness.
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