On Saturday, April 26, at the Fred Kavil Theatre, Thou- sand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, India Friends Association will present its gala 14th Annual Fundraiser. As the Association goes from strength to strength there is a unique program planned with 100 children and adults.

Classical dances by Manipuri Dance Visions Ensemble and Bharatanatyam by Padmalaya will be presented with inspiring music and colorful costumes. Folk and Bollywood dances promise to be a visual spectacle. A music medley of Bollywood music with a live orchestra will be another highlight of this innovative program which will use multimedia.

A play featuring many talents will be performed while Creative Arts will showcase the skills and explorations of many members of the Association.Held in spring each year the IFA affords an excellent opportunity for the community to participate in the songs, dances, and spirit of India. The funds raised are used to empower the poor in India and to fight corruption, improve governance, obtain employment and health care, and protect the environment and more.

Among IFA's active projects are micro credit and women's help projects, serving destitute girls in Maharashtra. In Kerala and Jharkhand, slum development in Gujarat, rural dairy development and mushroom farming in Orissa, a development project in Rajasthan, digging of wells, and the rehabilitation of destitute children in Tamil Nadu.

Another project is based on a unique Government- Private partnership resulting in the betterment of primary health care in remote areas in Arunachal Pradesh. The Samskar project is involved in the rehabilitation of joginis, criminals and their children. All performers and artists offer their services free of charge.

Many donate in cash and labor to make the program of dance, music and drama unique and raise necessary funds for those not privileged back in India. For tickets go to www.indiafriendsassociation.org