Raising the roof on education and service for the children in India, the first AIF Annual Benefit Gala in Boston demonstrated what happens when the community comes together: A party with a cause! In the spirit of effort and giving, the event held at the Hyatt Regency in Cambridge on December 8^th 2007, was truly a celebration of both. Glittering ballroom withstanding, and elegant table décor with ‘Bowties and Bangles’ the evening took the warm feel of a community gathered together, shoulder to shoulder to raise the cause of the American India Foundation. In total, AIF raised more than $300,000 that would translate into its programs of public health, education and livelihood.

The evening commenced with remarks from Victor J. Menezes, Founder and Co-Chair and the keynote was delivered by Nobel Laureate, Amartya Sen, also on the Advisory board of AIF. Victor Menezes, in his opening remarks noted that AIF prided itself in funding and investing in high quality NGO’s while sharing best practices in its private public partnerships. Pradeep Kashyap, Executive Director, AIF commended on the terrific turnout and expressed his gratitude to the Leadership council of Boston for producing an event at such short notice.

Dr Amartya Sen dwelt at length on the colonial history of India which despite its many invasions from foreigners maintained its unity as well its rich cultural heritage  while embracing its diversity. He reminded the audience to remember the good work done by AIF and noted the people that AIF helps are as “much a part of what we are” He said he was proud to be associated with the organization and it was one of the best that India had to offer.

Raj Sharma, Senior Vice President, Merrily Lynch and a key benefactor for AIF recalled his visit in 2004 to a government school for girls in his hometown of Hyderabad with his family and being impressed with AIF’s Digital Equalizer program. With its secular, transparent and open approach, he hoped that the Boston community would consider joining in with its support.  He ended his speech by quoting a touching poem by Pamela Glenconnor: Bitter are the tears of a child: Sweeten them. Deep are the thoughts of a child: Quiet them. Sharp is the grief of a child: Take it from him. Soft is the heart of a child: Do not harden it."
 

Two films highlighting the work of AIF in the areas of education, livelihood and public health was filmed for the guests. The event also felicitated Desh Deshpande, whose foundation had donated generously for the cause.

Wrapping conversation around stuffed mushrooms, chicken and corn tikkies followed by delicious main courses and filling every table in the banquet hall to capacity, more than 300 guests were treated to a musical performance by an ensemble of a talented acapella group, Random Chants, setting the mood for the evening’s delights. Emcee Sorboni Banerjee,General Assignment Reporter, 7 News kept the energy going thanking the supporters and inspiring the guests on the foundation efforts. Banerjee soon turned auctioneer, announcing going once, going twice that audience joined in an animated bidding process that reaped big rewards for both the winners as well as AIF. She cajoled the bidders to raise their offers for the live items including auctioning off  vacation packages from Ultimate Resorts, paintings by Artist Vivek Mehra, tickets to the Red Sox and the New England Patriots as well as other tempting offers.

Students of Veena Teli of the Tarangini School of dance gave a wonderful performance with colorful costumes, superb choreography in a song medley drawing praise from guests who enjoyed the entertainment while partaking of the decadent desserts of Angoori Rabri and mithai.

The grand finale came in by late evening with Boston Bhangra, the energetic group who are a household name in Boston. Rohit Bhambi, the group’s lead engaged the audience offering some basic lessons in movement to the delight of the guests and giving a pulsating performance.

In the end, even sweeter than the wonderful desserts served by Masala Art, was the sense of satisfaction brought by the goodwill among the people. Themed ‘ Bowties and Bangles’, Shobha Sastry of Alankar stepped up to the plate by her unique décor of bowties on chairs and bangles at every table enhancing the  occasion. With the help of a committee of tireless volunteers, dedicated sponsors and a dynamic leadership council of Raj and Nalini Sharma, Venkat and Pratima Srinivasan , Amit and Reema Chandra who orchestrated a beautiful and elegant evening, AIF was introduced with fan and fervor to the Boston Community. Add up the umpteen days and the countless hours put in by Chief Philanthropy Officer, Venkatesh Raghavendra, what remained was a spirit of giving. Summing up with the thank you note for the day, Venkat Srinivasan aptly reflected that the event spoke volumes of a community with a commitment. Clearly everyone present was nourished by the evening.

 About AIF: Founded in 2001, AIF has rapidly grown into the largest diaspora-led philanthropic organization focused exclusively on India. Since its inception, AIF has raised $45 million and invested and partnered with 75 high quality Indian NGO’s who are working on primary education, women’s economic empowerment and HIV/AIDS. In addition, AIF's Digital Equalizer program has introduced technology to enhance the education of over 300,000 students and through the Service Corps Fellowship, 169 young American professionals have for 10 months with Indian NGO’s.

www.aif.org

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