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SCHAUMBURG: Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS) annual fundraiser at India House in Schaumburg could not have notched more success than what was planned and expected by the management for months to raise funds for its senior-service activities.
With huge attendance and highly entertaining programs (dance, magic show and fashion displays), MAFS raised $75,000 to bridge gaps in State, Federal and local funding for its programs for seniors. The support from the community was still intact and MAFS could reasonably expect to tap this support.
The event on September 21 marked unmatched services to the community from this organization headed by Ms Santosh Kumar often described as Mother Teresa of Chicagoland.
The program was started by the lightening of auspicious ‘Deep” followed by Ganesh-vandana prayer dance by Catherine Jafri and her group and welcome address of Dr Firdaus Jafri, President MAFS.
In his keynote remark, Bill Foster, US Congressman, commended the vision and mission of MAFS and reaffirmed the commitment of his Democratic Party to welfare programs and reformation of immigration law to give immigrant sensible policy. Married to a first generation Asian American, the Congressman called for a comprehensive immigration reform that will boost home sales, widen tax base and provide other wider benefits.”
Guest speaker Husain Dalwai, Member of Parliament Upper House (Rajya Sabha), lauded MAFS for lessening the pangs of old age. Invoking Swami Vivekananda’s speech at the World Parliament of Religions in this city of Chicago, he also denounced the murder of his friend Narendra Dhabholkar by extremists and stressed the need to follow the example of leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, and Azad.
Dalwai spoke on various programs that Government of India has initiated to address this problem but observed that “we look up to MAFS as a role model in serving and enriching the community without any discrimination to origin, cast, creed and religion.”
Consul General Chicago, Dr Ausaf Sayeed praised MAFS and Ms Santosh Kumar for persistently serving community with its various programs, since 1992 in her leadership. Dr Ausaf, attending with his family, had a pleasant surprise when all those present offered him Happy Birthday wishes and greetings. Mary Killough, Deputy Director, IDOA, remarked that it was her fourth year to attend the function and every time she is amazed with the number of people and programs MAFS serves and continues to grow to meet the increased needs of its community, despite shrinking of state and federal funding for social services.
Mrs Kumar spoke on how MAFS is working in collaboration and shared vision with the community and how it is transforming the entire field of social services as a shared responsibility of all. She asked the community to join in this honorable mission to serve and nurture the community by sharing their responsibility and understanding the importance of Government funds which are thoroughly audited.
Mrs Kumar thanked her team for collectively working through rain and shine to take the MAFS’ vision to the next level. Naren Patel, a Director and front-ranking community leader, congratulated MAFS board and staff members for celebrating 21 years of community service.
This year the “Making a Difference in the World Award,” was given to Dr Joseph Marek, MD, and Public Service Award was conferred on Husain Dalwai, Indian Member of Parliament (MP), for his work with tribal, Dalit and minority communities. The Best Employee of the Year Award was given to Afaan Muhammad, IT Manager and Jahnavi Bavisi, Manager Niles branch. Best Supervisor award was given to Smitesh Shah, supervisor and Public Benefit Award was given to Shree Gurusamy, SOS specialist.
Ms Catherine Jafri, Bollywood choreographer and her New York dance group presented one of the most colorful dances that were interspersed with fusion, traditional and contemporary dance presentations. Live magic show by Dennis Watkins, award winning magician from Chicago Theater, left everyone with illusion and laughter. Raaz boutique, leading fashion house in Devon Ave, showcased its haute couture and pret collection. Finally Rinki Talati, sensational local talent, enthralled everyone with famous Bollywood numbers till midnight.
The program was emceed by Dr Rakesh Asthana, Neelam Desai, and Shree Guru. The final vote of thanks was proposed by Beena Patel and Nikunj Baxi.
Asian Media & Nazneen Begum
