CRY America Calls for Support to Make Children’s Dreams a Reality

HOUSTON: CRY- Child Rights and You America Inc., a 501c3 non-profit organization that works to restore the rights of underprivileged children, especially in India, hosted its first annual benefit dinner “Spread the Love” on February 28, at the Stafford Civic Center, Stafford.  The dinner committee included Dr. Tina Pariani, Ruchika Dias, Pavan Lakku, Huralain Kothari, Minakshi Bali, Sunil & Anupama Srivastava, Charu Rao, Mousumi Banerjee, Somdatta G, Priya & Dharam Bali.

While India seems to hold the promise of being a potential engine of global growth with investments happening in many sectors, its children appear to be the most neglected segment, with the rights of children being vastly ignored.  In 14 years of existence, CRY America’s work with 70 projects has resulted in 191,901 children being immunized, 104,972 child births registered and 367 public healthcare centers activated. Further, 1,187 public schools have been activated and 498,738 children enrolled in public schools today.

Speaking at “Spread the Love”, Patrick Bocco, Fundraising Manager of CRY America shared, “India has the largest child population in the world.  Children have big dreams and given an equal opportunity, they can rise to their full potential and make their dreams come true.”

“Over 10 million children are forced by circumstances to do forms of work, often in hazardous or exploitative conditions. Girl children are killed in infancy or even while they are still in their mother’s womb.  CRY America has been able to reach out to 600,558 children, a feat that would not have been possible without the support of our donors, volunteers and grassroots partners,” he added.

“Spread the Love” was attended by almost 150 high profile individuals from the Houston metropolitan area, who came together to partner with CRY America’s work to benefit underprivileged children.  The resources raised will be directed towards funding several projects to ensure lasting change for children.  The key speakers were inspiring personalities including the stunningly beautiful actress, supermodel and a former Miss India, Pooja Batra and Comedian Dan Nainan.

Pooja Batra shared, “I am so happy to be a part of this event and help raise funds for the children in India.”  She added “As people of Indian origin, we have a powerful voice and the resources to help organizations like CRY America who ensure the basic facilities to grow and hopefully be successful.”

Dan Nainan, shared, “I’m honored to have been asked to be part of the event for CRY America. He added that he was looking forward “to doing my best to raise as much as we can to help these very deserving children have happier childhoods and get an education.

Dinner was followed by an enthralling dance performance by the Texan cheerleaders who also mingled and signed autographs. Malika Ghei delivered a fun upbeat song to keep the crowd entertained.

The live Auction had an autographed picture of Jennifer Lopez(winner Viraj Pikle), Spiderman eye signed by Stan Lee (Gobind Kamnani) & a baseball autographed by President Barack Obama (Amir Dodhiya). The 2 most coveted items – Apollo 11 picture autographed by astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins was outbid by Narain Kamnani & a Guitar autographed by Paul McCartney of the Beatles went to Anand & Dr Ashima Chauhan for $9200.

A Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition was presented to CRY America by Sam Merchant from Congressman Al Green’s office. The event was attended by prominent members of the South Asian community, Leela Krishnamurthy, Dr Nik Nikam, Sam Kannappan, Rick Pal (Ek Disha), Bash Sharma & family and Ash Shah (President, Pratham)

Dharam Bali (National Advisor, CRY America) gave the Vote of Thanks. The dinner committee introduced themselves by performing a catchy dance number. The event was managed by Ruchika Dias of Bollywood Shake and gourmet food by Chef Sunil Srivastava (Great W’Kana Café).

CRY America would like to thank its media partners Star TV, TV Asia, Masala Radio, Meena Datt Radio, Dabang Radio, Telugu Hungama Radio, Voice of Asia, Indo-American News, and event sponsors Bash Sharma, Vantive Inc., Amir Dodhiya (New York Life), Discount Power,  Ashiana, Deco Art Event Planners and Murali Santhana Photography.

About CRY America:
Child Rights and You America Inc. (CRY America) is a 501c3 non-profit organization that is driven by its vision of a just world in which all children have equal opportunities to develop to their full potential and realize their dreams. With the support of over 20,885 donors and 2,000 volunteers, CRY America supports 70 Projects in India and USA.

For info visit http://america.cry.org or write to patrick.bocco@cryamerica.org