India Post News Service

BEVERLY HILLS: Kevin Kaul and Company organized another enjoyable gathering of notable South Asians in the Beverly Hills Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel last Saturday, September 15. Graced by the heavy democratic showing of LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former DNC chairman Terry McAuliffe and Congressman Brad Sherman, the celebration of India's 60th Independence was highlighted by rousing Indian song and dance numbers, brief acceptance speeches and good food and drinks.

If for no other reason the Indian community revels in enjoying meals and socializing, and clearly as the years go by, awards banquets are some of the memories locals will take with them long after we've forgotten those who won some of the prestigious honors. Sahara One Television was on hand to record the revelry for millions of viewers around the world who may wonder how so many South Asians can descend on Beverly Hills prestigious hotel and make it their home.

McAuliffe, who received an award for is contribution to the Indo-American community, and Mayor Villaraigosa, both had enthusiastic praise for Kaul's work with the FOSAAC. "Kevin Kaul has been a wonderful mobilizer of the South Asian community and it's really great," said Mayor Villaraigosa to the gathering.

McAuliffe echoed the LA mayor's praise calling Kaul a "rising star" in the South Asian community. Copies of McAuliffe's new book, What A Party, My Life Among Democrats, Presidents, Donors, Activists, Alligators, and Other Wild Animals was distributed to attendees of the night free of charge from Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Kaul. The book is a must read for fundraisers who have ever felt like they were pulling a ball and chain up a brick wall.

In it McAuliffe frankly shares his experiences of raising money for Democrats for over twenty five years, as well as being DNC chairman. As probably one of the most successful men in his field he makes no bones about selling ideas, stating that you really have to believe in what you're selling, and if you've been "above board" about doing it, you have nothing to hide. Over the years McAuliffe has literally wrestled with alligators to raise money, sung onstage (quite badly he admits) and sometimes made 200 calls a day to raise funds.

The book paints a fairly dark picture of the Republicans and the recent administration, claiming that years from historical perspective will reveal just how incompetently as well as duplicitously the Bush administration has lead the US. The main sponsor's of the event were Dr Prem Reddy, Chairman of the Board of Prime HealthCare Inc., Shiv Grewal, Senior Partner at Straddling, Yocca, Carlson and Rauth, Hamilton Brewart, CEO of Hamilton Brewart Insurance Inc., Dave Katragadda, Chairman of the Seven Hills Group USA LLC, and Gurbax Bhasin, CEO of Prego Inc.