Siddartha Malhotra run for cover
CHICAGO: Over 300 seniors and prominent community members attended Metropolitan Asian Family Service’s Mini Fundraising dinner held recently in Schaumburg, a North West suburb of Chicago
The celebration started with the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the Schaumburg Adult Day Care location by Congressman Raja Krishnamurthy & State Rep. Ms. Mussman. This was followed by Lighting of the auspicious Deep by prominent community leaders including Congressman Raja Krishnamurthy; Jay D’Mello of MB Financial, Krishna Bansal ,Syed Mohammed, Manager, US Bank: Cameel Mohammed, Private Banker, Chase Bank; Dr Firdaus Jafri President MAFS; Neil Patel, Owner, MedStar and Mrs. Santosh Kumar Executive Director MAFS.
Raja Krishnamurthy in his address talked about the importance of community services provided by MAFS to seniors which in its turn also helps their children to continue to work without stress and worry.
He also commended the MAFS team for serving the community on all fronts for over three decades. Keynote Speaker State Rep. Michelle Mussman recognized the efforts Executive Director Mrs. Santosh Kumar has made to help the community and provide services to as many people as possible in Chicagoland area.
Krishna Bansal in his address observed that he counted himself as part of MAFS family and urged the community to come forward and join in MAFS mission of serving and caring. Indian Consul O.P. Meena appreciated the services provided by MAFS and spoke very high about MAFS’s efforts to make Yoga Day a big success and invited the whole community to join the upcoming Yoga day being held in Naperville, IL on June 24.
Guest speaker Executive Director of CLESE Marta Pereyra spoke about the years she has been associated with MAFS and congratulated MAFS for its extraordinary efforts to serve the community in spite of budget cut for social services.
Executive Director Mrs. Kumar in her address said that the recent budget impasse in Illinois “has pushed us to the threshold of our limits and Community members should understand these facts and come forward to support our programs if we have to continue to serve our seniors now and in the future.” Mrs. Kumar also remarked that she felt an inner sense of satisfaction when she sees the seniors dancing, singing and enjoying themselves when they had joined the center and now when they find the same place in a sad and depressed condition.
She thanked all the dignitaries for their presence and support. She also thanked all the seniors for showcasing such heartwarming programs that made everyone laugh and remember their own hay days.
She appreciated MB Financial Bank for donating $1000 for the good cause of MAFS. She thanked Board president Dr. Jafri asa pillar of the organization, other board members, staff members, and managers, ADS staff, who are working in front and behind the scenes to make MAFS a well reputed social service organization. She also showcased few key staff members from the public benefit program Connie Dogaru, Meenu Jethi and Harish Mahajan for their exemplary work for the community.
The entertainment program began with Ganesh Pushpanjali by Kalapadma Dance Academy choreographed by Ruth Varghese. The Seniors’ performances began with a rocking show by Niles ADS seniors performing on “Woh Ladki Hai Kahan”. Schaumburg ADS seniors followed by showcasing “Zindagi Zinda Dili Ka Naam Hai” ably introduced with a speech from ADS senior Jayesh Desai. Not to be left behind Naperville ADS senior Tabassum Rabbini received standing ovation after performing on “Inhi Logo Nein” from the movie “Pakeezah”.
The Naperville ADS seniors gave another sizzling dance performance with “Bollywood Ka Safar”, a medley of songs from the black and white era of 1960 to the colored times of today. The performances were ably handled by Chicago ADS seniors showing their various talents (Hoonar) and demonstrating “Unity in Diversity” by their costumes from different states of India.
The audience enjoyed delicious vegetarian dinner catered from Shree Restaurant, Westmont IL.
Dinner was followed by a melodious performance of Bollywood songs by local singers Chetan Trivedi and Dr. Sonal Patel ably supported by professional DJ Abhi Trivedi.
The emcees Neelam Desai, Naperville Manager and Jahnavi Bavisi, Niles Manager successfully managed the entire program and the event concluded with the vote of thanks presented by Mrs. Santosh Kumar.
Neelam Desai
