Akshaya Patra Foundation Exceeds Fundraising Target at Families for Change Virtual Gala Event
The Akshaya Patra Foundation held it’s Families for Change virtual gala on Saturday, September 22, 2020, raising a total of $500,000. The funds will provide COVID relief to migrant workers, including cooked meals and ration boxes for families. The funds will also provide Happiness Kits containing 30 days worth of food, hygiene products, and educational supplies to the organization’s mid-day meal beneficiaries as well as support mid-day meals for school children when schools reopen for the 2020-2021 school year.
“The concept of family is built on the foundation of Seva—unconditional, selfless acts of service. It defines what Akshaya Patra is about; and how our combined efforts as individuals and as an organization grant us the opportunity to provide unlimited food for our children,” shared Vandana Tilak, CEO of Akshaya Patra Foundation. She added, “We are so proud of everyone coming together to ensure we continue to support our India team in providing aid and relief to families.”
The Families of Change virtual event was attended by over 400 guests ranging from medical professionals, businesses, and nonprofit and philanthropic leaders worldwide. Srivatsan Rajan, Partner, Bain & Company, hosted the evening which featured a lively conversation with speakers Jamshydji Godrej (Chairman & Managing Director, Godrej & Boyce) and Sumant Sinha (Founder, Chairman & Managing Director of ReNew Power).
Esteemed businessman Jamshydji Godrej shared stories from childhood and what it was like growing up in the Godrej family. He shared how education and skill-building are vital for children to be prepared in the real world. Next, sustainability expert Sumant Sinha commended Akshaya Patra’s efforts to provide meals and discussed that education played a significant role in his life and for students to continue to learn and work sincerely to achieve academic success.
Famous actress and philanthropist Raveena Tandon joined Vandana in an enlightening discussion about growing up in a show business family, the path to becoming a Bollywood star, and, most notably, being a mother. Tandon shared how she welcomed 30 displaced orphans into her own home and sheltered them for over a year. Talented couple Samir Date and Diplaee Somaiya performed old and new Bollywood favorites throughout the event.
Overall the evening was full of lively conversations, timeless Bollywood Hits, and remarkable moments, celebrating the beneficiaries, volunteers, chapter teams from Tampa, Miami, and South Florida.
