December 26, 2011
Star-Studded Cast Helps Raise $550,000 at American India Foundation
10th Anniversary Gala.
The American India Foundation's 8th Annual Southern California Gala,
highlighted by an unparalleled lineup of honorees and entertainers,
raised $550,000 in support of AIF's programs catalyzing social and
economic change in India.
On Saturday, December 10, 2011, the American India Foundation (AIF)
commemorated its 10th Anniversary and its growth from a disaster
relief effort (the 2001 Gujarat earthquake) to the premiere
development organization focused on catalyzing social and economic
change in India at its 8th Annual Gala in Southern California,
"Celebrating a Decade of Impact."
More than 400 guests enjoyed fine dining, dancing, and an unparalleled
lineup of honorees, VIP guests, and dazzling entertainment on the
exquisitely manicured grounds of the Fairmont Miramar Hotel and
Bungalows off of the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica. The evening was
highlighted by the awards presentation led by Honorary Gala Chair, the
legendary musician, composer and record producer Quincy Jones. Dinesh
C. Paliwal, Chairman, President, and CEO of Harman International, was
honored with the AIF Corporate Leadership Award, and Academy and
GRAMMY-Award winning composer A.R. Rahman with the Spirit of India
Award. Both gave eloquent, memorable speeches reflecting upon their
personal connection and commitment to impacting the long-term
development of India through philanthropy, including Rahman's focus on
education for the underprivileged through his own A.R. Rahman
Foundation and KM Music Conservatory.
The Gala raised approximately $550,000 to support AIF's work on the
ground in India through programs in education, livelihoods, and public
health. This year's Gala focused upon AIF's Learning and Migration
Program, providing access to high-quality primary education to the
children of migrant workers. Through LAMP, AIF has reached more than
237,000 children across India and its effectiveness helped enact
legislation for migrant children in India's Right to Education Act.
AIF Founding President and incoming Board Chair Lata Krishnan set the
stage for the fundraising drive, which raised $150,000 for LAMP, with
a graceful speech highlighting the impact AIF has on children of
migrant workers otherwise forced to drop out of school or toil under
hazardous conditions at extremely young ages.
The evening concluded with an energetic and vivacious performance by
Bollywood megastar singer Sunidhi Chauhan, who was welcomed by a
standing ovation. The entire audience danced the night away to hit
numbers like "Beedi Jailele" and "Sheila Ki Jiwani." As Gala Chair and
AIF Trustee Ravi Tilak remarked, garnering the support of acclaimed
artists and entertainers is a growing strategy for AIF to expand its
presence on the national and international stage. "On its tenth
anniversary, AIF will expand its focus on the next generation of
diaspora leaders and those from beyond in an effort to create mass
appeal. Support at the grassroots also parallels the role AIF plays on
the ground in India with partner NGOs and the many underprivileged
communities we serve."
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