Around 300 people attended gala at the Capitale in Manhattan.
By The American Bazaar Staff
NEW YORK: The Desai Foundation hosted its first-ever gala fundraising dinner event at the Capitale in New York City on April 9, and raised $225,000 for its causes during the course of the night.
About 300 supporters, who filled the packed Capitale hall space, attended the inaugural event. Several distinguished guests attended the event, including actress Janina Gavankar, ClassPass founder Payal Kadakia, Kansas Democrat Raj Goyle, entrepreneur Desh Deshpande, and White House honoree Amar Sawhney.
The emcee for the evening was Seth Herzog, a comedian for the “Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.” Also present was Amneal Pharmaceuticals CEO Chintu Patel, who was honored by the organization for his individual efforts to give back to communities in his home state of Gujarat.
In a press release, Desai Foundation founder and CEO Sam Desai expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support at the gala, saying that the $225,000 will likely increase to around $400,000 when additional donations come in. Every cent that was raised at the event will go towards Desai Foundation initiatives in India; specifically, the construction of three community centers in Gujarat that will provide medical care and training for the local community.
“Our greatest goal is to inspire others to participate and understand how they can make a difference in the lives of many by lending their time and interest to those who need our help,” Megha Desai, the Foundation’s director, said in a statement.
Founded in 1997, the Desai Foundation works in order to “create, implement, and promote programs that support general education and health, Indian culture, and community development.” Founded in 1997, it has established partnerships with the Peabody Essex Museum, the Middlesex Community College Foundation, and the Shri Yoganand Saraswati Education and Medical Relief Trust of Gujarat, among others.