On September 21, more than 1,200 attendees gathered for our 37th Annual Gala & Fundraiser at the Bergen County Academies auditorium in Hackensack, New Jersey — and helped us to raise more than $600,000 for India!
The theme of the show (“Take the Wheel: Drive to Erase Inequality”) honored our achievements from the past 37 years while also recognizing our intentions to drive forward with our lifesaving Signature Programs at full speed.
The nearly sold-out event featured spectacular entertainment from Bollywood Boulevard: A Journey Through Hindi Cinema. Led by a creative team consisting of Heena Patel, Rushi Vakil, and Rohit Gijare, the troupe’s musical and visual performers guided audience members through an exciting history and celebration of India’s most well-recognized film industry.
The event also featured a special appearance by our Chief Guest of Honor, acclaimed Bollywood actor Manisha Koirala. Known for her roles in films such as 1942: A Love Story, Dil Se.., and Lajja (among others), Manisha is a staunch supporter of our Women Empowerment and Healthcare 2 Unreached programs and has been a compassionate champion of our cause for years.
At the gala, Manisha was introduced by Dr. Ketki Shah, Program Director for our Women Empowerment Signature Program. During the introduction, Dr. Shah recounted her memory of April 25, 2015, the day Nepal was hit with a catastrophic earthquake. Desperate to find help in facilitating humanitarian aid, Dr. Shah reached out to Manisha — who quickly and graciously agreed. This was the moment that solidified Manisha’s relationship with our organization.
During the event Manisha also released her new book Healed, which chronicles the ups and downs of her life, career, and relationships, including her battle with ovarian cancer.
As an advocate for marginalized members of society, Manisha has challenged Share & Care to empower 20,200 women in the year 2020 — a task and honor we have gladly accepted.
We extend our sincere thanks to all of our donors, supporters, volunteers, members, and others who made this event possible, and who helped us raise more than $600,000 to empower India. We eagerly look forward to your continued support for Share & Care’s programs to help the most marginalized women, men, and children in India. Your generosity makes a significant and lasting difference in their lives.
Below, please enjoy a video presented at the event. It provides an overview of our healthcare, education, and women empowerment programs and describes our holistic humanitarian approach.
To view a digital copy of our 37th Annual Gala Book, please click here.
