April 18, 2006 > Annual Indo-American Charity Ball

by Dr. Rakesh Sharma

"If you have clothes on your back, food in your mouth, and a roof over your head, you are more fortunate than 75 percent of the world's population," stated Dr. Moses Taghioff, Master of Ceremonies at the third Annual Indo-American Charity Ball on April 8. The event, organized by Indo-ABC (Indo-Americans for Better Community), brought in a grand total of $55,000 this year with the help of a matching grant. The beneficiaries were the Tri-City Homeless Coalition (TCHC) and the Meals on Wheels program (run by LIFE ElderCare, Inc.).

Guests at the event enjoyed great music performed by a local band during social hour, wonderful dancing choreographed and performed by local talents, and great food. However, the highlights of the evening were presentations on wonderful projects TCHC and LIFE ElderCare are working on.

The Tri-City Homeless Coalition helps the homeless in our community rebuild foundations they need to become effective and independent members of society. They house, feed, and educate countless homeless men, women, and children and provide a supportive environment for those in need.

LIFE ElderCare runs several programs benefiting the elderly and homebound in our community. The Meals on Wheels program specifically targets those who do not have access to the resources to provide or obtain meals for themselves, and sends selfless volunteers in aid. These volunteers spend time to talk to and bring meals to the elderly and homebound, members of our communities who are often forgotten. Their goal is to help make lives better one meal and one visit at a time.

All in all, the event was a great success. Two more than worthy causes received much needed monetary aid, and the community stepped up to help achieve the goal of helping our fellow citizens the best we can. For more information about next year's Indo-American Charity Ball or any of Indo-ABC's other projects, please visit our website at www.IndoABC.com.