Tri-State Gala 2011

The Tri-State Gala was held on Wednesday, October 5, at the Pierre Hotel for the third consecutive year whose in-house Indian chef creates a custom menu of traditional Indian dishes with a fusion flare.  Cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres, press interviews and photographs of all guests were followed by a dramatic entrance into the ballroom with classical dancers from AATMA on stage. 

400 supporters from across the Tri-State attended the event including Consul General Prabhu Dayal, international model, Ujjwal Raut, actor Matt Czuchry, and actresses Pooja Kumar, Jill Flint and Reshma Shetty.

Emmy Award winning actress Archie Panjabi made her first formal appearance as Pratham USA Ambassador.  Ms. Panjabi welcomed Pratham Co-Founder and CEO Madhav Chavan to New York who shared a glimpse of how technology can and will transform how children in India receive an education. 

Photos courtesy of Sarah Merians photography

Mitul Desai, Senior Advisor for the Central and South Asian Bureau at the U.S. Department of State delivered a keynote address speaking to U.S. – India relations from the perspective of the State Department.  Desai also shared encouraging news about the State Department’s efforts to support philanthropy amongst the Indian diaspora and the expansion of Guidestar, a charity rating system, to Indian NGOs.

Rahul Kadakia of Christies reprised his appearance to conduct a live pledge drive where hands raised across the room demonstrating their dedication to the cause.  $175,000 was collected from the floor and then matched by the Pratham USA National Board of Directors.  These funds in addition to the generous sponsorships and ticket sales raised over $1.1 million for the cause. 

The gala’s success was made possible by Gala Co-Chairs Ranika Cohen and Sangeeta Sobti joined by a team of dedicated staff and volunteers, and the leadership of their fellow Pratham Tri-State Board members. We thank all of our corporate sponsors without whom this event would not have been possible.

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