DFW Community Honors Local Philanthropists, Raises $1.2 Million at Annual Gala

Close to 400 supporters from the greater Dallas Fort-Worth community filled the majestic Marriott at Legacy Town Center on September 10 for an evening of celebration and laughter and to raise funds for the Pratham’s innovative, award-winning educational programs.

Over $1.2 million was raised over the course of the evening, emceed by comedian Dan Nainan, which paid tribute to six honorees, Kanika and Vinay Jain, Yasmin and Satish Gupta, and Richa and Manish Dhawan, an extraordinary group of philanthropists, for their relentless commitment to educating India’s children. Guests were visibly moved by Satish Gupta’s stories about his family’s life in India and the role that education played in his journey to the US.

In addition to a silent auction that featured artwork by artist Rahul Vyas, there was a dance performance by Sharara, UT Dallas’ Bollywood Fusion Dance Team, and a ceremony to recognize the DFW Readathon participants. Gala guests enjoyed gourmet fare prepared by Bombay Chopstix and liquid nitrogen ice cream from Frost 321 as well as a night of dancing courtesy of DJ Music Masti Magic.

“This is the first time in several years that the Gala has been sold out,” said Chapter President Lav Kapadia. “People are surprised when they learn that of the 26 million Indian children who enter first grade each year, nearly half of them reach fifth grade unable to read or write,” adding “Pratham is working hard to change this. Our literacy programs reached more than 5 million children last year.”

The event’s success would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of the gala committee, chaired by Shrikant Ganesan, the dedication of the Pratham DFW board and local volunteers, and the generosity of sponsors.

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