Akshaya Patra hosts elegant luncheon & fashion show
Top four models Pooja, Manuri, Shilpa and Rachna.
LOS ANGELES: On May 6, Akshaya Patra hosted its 2nd charity event in Southern California with an elegant luncheon and fashion show. The event, held at the Cerritos Sheraton, was organized by the Los Angeles chapter under the leadership of Vandana Tilak. 300 people came together to help raise awareness and contributions for the countless children that Akshaya Patra feeds and educates on a daily basis all over India.
With the generosity of those in attendance, the sponsors and the dedication of all the volunteers, the event successfully helped raise $136,000. Madhu Sridhar, President and CEO of the Akshaya Patra Foundation USA, elaborated on how Akshaya Patra’s 21 technology intensive kitchens across India prepare meals for over 1.3 million children who would otherwise go hungry.
Along with a freshly prepared, nutritious meal, these children also receive an education that will help break the cycle of poverty for them and their families. During her talk, Sridhar extended an invitation to all the attendees to visit an Akshaya Patra kitchen and experience the hope that the kitchens deliver on a daily basis across India.
“The warmth and support of the Los Angeles community was evident at the luncheon event”, said Sridhar. “I am touched by the response of those wishing to volunteer their time and resources to raise awareness about the organization for the Akshaya Patra children.”
The highlight of the event was a spectacular fashion show by India’s renowned fashion designers, Shyamal and Bhumika. The duo created a stunning couture collection of outfits and sarees that were simply breathtaking. Shyamal, who visited the Akshaya Patra kitchen in February, very graciously donated his time and expertise and came to Los Angeles to participate in this event.
Commenting on his kitchen visit, Shyamal remarked, “The food from the Akshaya Patra kitchen was just as tasty as what I would prepare at home”! Shyamal and Bhumika specially designed creations that premiered at the event and made for a truly memorable afternoon.
Each ticket sold at the event went in support of feeding and educating a child for an entire academic year; a cost to Akshaya Patra of only $15.
The Akshaya Patra Los Angeles Team thanked its supporters and all its well-wishers who through their contributions at this event, will help feed an additional 9,100 children this year.
India Post News Service
