Akshaya Patra US hosts 2015 Annual Boston Gala
Akshaya Patra's US chapter hosted its 2015 Annual Boston Gala at the Westin Hotel in Waltham, Massachusetts, on 13th June. The event, which was attended by about 400 business and community leaders and philanthropists, raised $500,000. This generous contribution is enough to feed 33,000 children in India Akshaya Patra's nutritious mid-day meal every day for an entire year!
The gala included a panel discussion on 'sports and philanthropy' featuring special guests ESPN SportsCenter anchor Kevin Negandhi and Director of the Red Sox Foundation and Liverpool Football Club Foundation, Linda Henry, with award-winning host of On Point on NPR and WBUR Boston, Tom Ashbrook moderating.
"What I liked most about the evening was its simplicity and a frank conversation on the issues that the world faces," said Gururaj Deshpande, Chairman of Akshaya Patra US. "Linda Henry, Kevin Negandhi and Tom Ashbrook were mesmerizing. Their genuine compassion for the humanity blanketed the Ball Room. Their message about the importance of Akshaya Patra was very convincing; a pin drop silence among an audience of 400 people for 90 minutes is a testament to their message."
"I met most of the attendees after the event. They supported Akshaya Patra generously and left the hall with a big smile. They brought hope to thousands of children in India and in return brought hope and joy to our own lives," Deshpande added.
Emily Rosenbaum, CEO of the US chapter expressed similar sentiment saying, "Akshaya Patra events are always very special and yet, it became clear to me throughout the evening on Saturday that everyone in the room was united for the same goal of food for education... to feed the dreams of the children at government schools in India. We all have dreams for ourselves, our families, our world and Akshaya Patra's dream will be fulfilled when no child is every deprived of education due to hunger. Our thanks and gratitude go out to the entire Boston community for their generosity and care for joining hands with us to make this dream a reality."
Source: INDIA New England
