Convention held by Akshaya Patra, a huge success
Akshaya Patra, USA held its Boston Gala – 7th Annual Boston Benefit Event on 29 March 2014 at Cambridge, Massachusetts. The event was attended by leaders from the not-for-profit and Government sectors along with representatives from over 400 business entities and philanthropic leaders from Massachusetts. The event was organised to support the dual mission of Akshaya Patra – addressing childhood hunger and promoting education for economically disadvantaged children in India.
The event commenced with a speech by US Congressman Joseph Kennedy III (D-MA) of Massachusetts 4th Congressional District. Addressing the gravity of challenges like classroom hunger and education, he mentioned that these could be met only through Public Private Partnerships.
“Akshaya Patra is a model of cooperation and scale that you have accomplished and demonstrated.It is better than any other model in the world,” said Representative Kennedy.
Emily Rosenbaum, Chief Executiver Officer of The Akshaya Patra Foundation, talked about her own experience of travelling to India and about the important things one should know about the Akshaya Patra.
The star-studded evening saw personalities such as Nina Davuluri, Miss America, 2014. The first ever Indian-American to be crowned Miss America, she was interviewed by Dr Manju Sheth of the publication, India New England’s ‘Chai with Manju’ series. During the interview, Davuluri shared experiences of winning the pageant and also of her travels.
Philanthropist ‘Desh’ Deshpande, Board Chairman, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, USA gave the welcome address and led the fundraising event. The event also staged a performance by Triveni School of Dance – Neena Gulati. Popular comedian, Abhishek Shah was the anchor for the convention.
The Boston Benefit held annually to raise funds for the dual cause was sold out well ahead of time and raised a $595,000 this year against $380,000 last year.
