Sewa Atlanta Gala: Celebrating Community Impact and Raising Over $500,000
On December 7, 2024, Sewa International Atlanta hosted its Annual Gala at the luxurious Hotel Twelve Midtown, drawing together a vibrant community of over 250 participants. This significant event was focused not only on celebration but also on highlighting community impacts, raising over $500,000 to support various ongoing initiatives. The funds raised from the gala will be instrumental in driving forward crucial programs such as Sewa AmeriCorps initiatives, free health clinics, food drives, and disaster relief operations.
As the evening commenced, Dr. Madhav Durbha, the President of Sewa Atlanta, alongside Raj Radhakrishnan, the Vice President, took center stage highlighting the achievements of Sewa Atlanta. They discussed the recent developments in the Sewa AmeriCorps Afterschool Tutoring Program, which aims to aid underprivileged children in their academic pursuits. They further emphasized the success of the free health clinics that provide essential medical care to those in need, and the food security initiatives that focus on alleviating hunger within the community.
This year’s gala not only marked a milestone in fundraising but also celebrated Sewa Atlanta’s impressive growth and its dedication to impactful community programs. The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Mohammed K. Ali, the Co-Director of the Emory Global Diabetes Research Center. His compelling discussion centered on the global diabetes crisis and stressed the urgent need for interdisciplinary strategies to confront this escalating health concern.
Recognizing the individuals and organizations that strongly support Sewa's mission, several awards were presented during the gala. Notable recipients included Sophie and Sid Mookerji from the Mookerji Foundation, Dr. Paul Lopez, Esteban Alarcon, and community leaders like Dr. Sreeni and Madhavi Gangasani, Ravi Ponangi, and Bhikubhai Patel. Additionally, Sewa acknowledged the significant contributions of its volunteer Vivek Srivatsav for his unwavering dedication to community initiatives.
Guests were delighted with special gifts including an autographed book from Padma Bhushan awardee Dr. Jagdish Sheth and a tree kit, emphasizing the importance of their support towards Sewa's vision. The evening was rich with cultural performances, showcasing an Indian classical dance by Saganika Mukherjee and musical recitals by Anaga Jaswani and Neeti Patak, adding an artistic flair to the event.
The grand banquet hall was generously sponsored by Subhash Patel of the Natson Hotel Group, which provided an elegant backdrop for the festivities. The gala festivities were expertly emceed by Prof. Devesh Ranjan and Mrs. Sheela Pailwan, who guided the attendees through a night filled with laughter, gratitude, and community engagement.
For those who wish to learn more about Sewa International Atlanta and explore opportunities to get involved, the organization welcomes visitors to their website, www.sewaatlanta.org. This gala was not just an event; it served as a reminder of what can be achieved when communities come together for a critical cause, inspiring all to make a difference.
In summary, the Sewa International Atlanta Annual Gala was a remarkable success, proving once again the power of community spirit and the collective effort to effect positive change in society. As we celebrate this achievement, we remain hopeful for the future endeavors that Sewa will undertake, continuing to serve and uplift those in need.