Indo American News

Tag: Indo American Charity Foundation

IACF’s 30 Years of Benevolence & Still Counting!

IACF Board of Directors at the Annual Gala 2018 at Stafford Center on Saturday, October 6. Photos: Roy Photography

By Vanshika Vipin Varma

STAFFORD: For the past 30 years IACF (Indo-American Charity Foundation) has appealed to the philanthropic spirit of the Indo American community in Houston to address needs in the areas of Education, Family, General Welfare and Healthcare in the metro Houston area. “We live here, We give here” is their motto, and they have a strongly driven and focused mission to foster the local community whose basic needs are met and where everyone can lead enriched lives. Saturday, October 6 saw yet another altruistic event, ‘Thirty in Charity’, IACF’s Annual Gala, at Stafford Centre on Cash Road, attended by around 400 guests and it raised over $165,000.

So far, 2018 has been quite an eventful year for IACF, the year beginning with a notable donation of $200,000 to Houston’s Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Harvey Relief Fund, out of the funds raised at the gala last year. The fundraiser series began with a social walking event Walk-a-Thon: “I Walk- I Care” in April, which was a call for Houstonians to walk, get fit and raise funds. Other events were Annual Scholarship Awards reception in May and Grants Night in August.

From left: IACF President Elect, Shobana Muratee, Chief Guest Consul General of India, Dr. Anupam Ray, Keynote Speaker Bob Patel, CEO of LyondellBasell, and IACF President, Mahesh Wadhwa.

The jamboree, commenced with registration and cocktail, and the ever-charming Rashi Vats, News Anchor & Reporter FOX 26 News, was the emcee for the evening. As a mark of respect to both nations, rendition of National Anthems of United States and India were beautifully presented by Chloe Choudhury and Milinda Nutalapati respectively. It’s always a reflex in every Indian to feel ecstatic and joyful upon hearing the national anthem. And these emotions were all across the hall. The ceremonious lamp was lit, marking an auspicious beginning to the event. Then followed a welcome dance, gracefully performed by students of Rathna Kumar’s Anjali School of Performing Arts.

Welcome dance by students of Rathna Kumar’s Anjali School of Performing Arts

IACF President, Mahesh Wadhwa then welcomed the audience and thanked them for extending a helping hand and being a part of the prestigious IACF gala. He got the audiences acquainted with the IACF board. He also rolled out the red carpet for Chief Guest Consul General of India, Dr. Anupam Ray, Keynote Speaker Bob Patel, CEO of LyondellBasell, Mayor Leonard Scarcella, Mayor Protem Ken Mathew and other personages present. His passion was evident as he spoke. He mentioned, “We have strengthened the partnerships with fellow organizations– Indian Doctors Associations and the Indian Doctors Charity Clinic (IDA and IDCC), to raise funds through the ‘I WALK–I CARE’ walkathon, which supports health care projects by these partners and also provides health care facilities at no cost.” With excitement, he shared with the audiences the outstanding work IACF has accomplished in the likes of supporting 18 local charity organizations with grants and providing financial aid to 30 deserving high school seniors through scholarships. He stated that he was overwhelmed by the ongoing support they have been receiving and hoped to get such assistance in future as well. With a view to have the audiences acquainted with the noteworthy efforts of IACF in 2018, an introductory video was played.

Angels of Charity

Keynote Speaker, Bhavesh V. ‘Bob’ Patel, CEO of LyndollBasell expressed his gratitude towards the IACF Board, IACF President Mahesh Wadhwa, with special thanks to his associate IACF Board Member Joseph Ellankil, Sr. Manager LyondellBasell for having him over at the gala. He paid his immense respect to IACF for 30 years of selfless giving to the community by raising funds and supporting local organizations. He stated, “the most impressive thing to me is that IACF is a 100% volunteer organization. This helps to keep costs low and maximizes the distribution of funding. So the money goes where it will have the most impact.” With a sense of satisfaction, he shared with the audiences, how funds are raised and put to use by IACF. With great pride, he mentioned that IACF is considered as one of the 4 pillars of the Indian community run charities here in Houston. He commented, “I love their motto, ‘We live here, We give here’, because it speaks to the core of what our community is about and all of the ways we can give back to help those in need.” He went on to share a few of his life experiences, “The thing that has been consistent in my life despite the different jobs and many moves around the world and amidst uncertainties and challenges the things that has made each step of my journey a little more certain are the values that I learnt in my childhood.” He mentioned an instance at a small doughnut shop, which helped him learn important lessons in life, left him nostalgic and overwhelmed. He also added, “Success is born from simple lessons, from simple ways, they are working hard, running the business honestly, doing the right thing in the right way, and treating all people equally and with kindness and respect.”

From left: Emcee Rashi Vats, News Anchor & Reporter FOX 26 News, Chloe Choudhury, and Milinda Nutalapati.

Like each year, ‘Friends of Charity’ title was honored to individuals for their service to the community and support to the foundation. IACF Director, Rathna Kumar moderated the awards. Recipients included Subbu Neti, Bangar Reddy Aloori, Amrik Singh Nijjar, Viral Amin, Dr. Barkat Charania, Munira Panjwani, Charanjiv Roye, Dr. Prasun K. Jalal, Mohammad Tariq and Haroon Shaikh.

Consul General of India, Dr. Anupam Ray was the next to express his views to the audience. He stated, “Listening to Mr. Patel’s moving story, I was reminded of the million narratives like Mr. Patel and his mother which make India.” This was followed by a pledge drive by Dr. Nik Nikam.

The next segment had the audience’s spring, bellow, shout and gallop to the beats of a Bhangra performance by Punjabi Bhangra. The ‘Angels of Charity’ awards were conferred upon generous couples that are actively involved in charitable causes. Recipients of this award were Deepika and Swapnil Agarwal, Dr. Renu and Dr. Chary Tamarisa, Dr.Usha and Dr. Vijay Jha, Sarah and Mayank Sangdod, Pragna and Vinod Shah, Anuradha and Mani Subramanium, Sridevi and Kumar Pappa, Dr. Srividhya and Sridhar, Anita and Dr. Kiran Nair, Sridevi Sridhar and Kanchana Kuntla.

Bhangra performance by Punjabi Bhangra

IACF President Elect, Shobana Muratee, delivered the vote of thanks. She politely expressed her gratitude to the IACF board and gala committees for their inspiring teamwork and dedication. She also thanked Mahesh Wadhwa and his family for extending their help and expertise. Event Chair Sajid Khan, CEO Curve Hospitality, Fuel Maxx, Wallis State Bank, NRG. Swapnil Agarwal and Bob Patel poured in open handed donations to support IACF.

The event concluded with scrumptious dinner served by Bombay Brasserie. Live music kept the audiences engaged during and after dinner, all thanks to Deep Bhattacharya, Sharmistha Kolay and Lakshmi Peter. Mousumi Banerjee seamlessly coordinated the event. The well-coordinated sound and lighting was provided by Sage Productions, beautiful decor by Sheila Burki Designs, photos by Roy Photography, and graphics by Mahesh Malekar. An interesting addition was the silent auction run by Subha Venka and Pankaj Wadhwa.

To learn more about IACF and to become a volunteer, visit www.iacfhouston.com.

October 18, 2018
IACF Annual Gala, Saturday, October 6

IACF Presents a Check of $200,000 to the Mayor of Houston. From left: Dr. Purvi Parikh, Alpa Shah, Shobana Muratee, Zenith Ellankil, Mahesh Wadhwa, Prem Cholia, Dr. Vanitha Pothuri, Sreeni Nakirekanti, Venkat Iyer, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Nanda Vura, Swatantra Jain, Bela Thacker, Dr. Ratna Kumar, Hasu Patel, and Dr. Ramesh Cherivirala.

HOUSTON: Indo-American Charity Foundation (IACF) will hold its annual gala featuring Bhavesh V. ‘Bob’ Patel, CEO of LyndollBasell as the Keynote Speaker on Saturday, October 6, 2018, at Stafford Centre on Cash Road. Themed as, ‘Thirty in Charity’, the event will commemorate its 30 years of philanthropic, health, education and general welfare service supporting charities, individuals and organizations that share its mission to serve communities in the Greater Houston areas.

For the last 30 years, IACF has been raising funds to help support local organizations that are new and/or in need of aid to provide services to thousands of Houstonians. IACF’s motto: “We live here, we give here” embodies its initiatives in the areas Education, Healthcare, Family welfare and Charity.

The gala funds raised will support IACF’s 2018 programs and services and will support thousands of Houstonians. IACF gave $200,000 to Mayor’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund to support hurricane Harvey victims last year. Our sponsors will be joined by other supporters in recognizing individuals and groups as “Angles of Charity’ and “Friends of Charity” on the occasion.

EVENT:    IACF Annual Gala 2018

WHEN:    Saturday, October 6, 2018, 6:00 p.m. Sharp  5:30 Pm Registration begins

WHERE: Stafford Center, 10505 Cash Road, Stafford, TX 77477

LINK:   http://iacfhouston.com/

ABOUT IACF

Indo-American Charity Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization that helps the underprivileged and needy with monetary and volunteer work contributions through established and emerging organizations [501(c)3] in the Greater Houston Area. Indo-American Charity Foundation was founded in 1988 by a group of Houstonians of Indian origin (Indo- American) compelled by an altruistic desire to give back to their local community. Their mission to help the underprivileged originated with the effort to fight hunger, and has now developed into a multi-faceted philanthropic endeavor to help those in need of health, education and human services in the Greater Houston Area.

August 16, 2018
In Harvey’s Wake, IACF Presents a Check of $200,000 to the Mayor of Houston

From left: Dr. Purvi Parikh, Alpa Shah, Shobana Muratee, Zenith Ellankil, Mahesh Wadhwa, Prem Cholia, Dr. Vanitha Pothuri, Sreeni Nakirekanti, Venkat Iyer, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Nanda Vura, Swatantra Jain, Bela Thacker, Dr. Ratna Kumar, Hasu Patel, and Dr. Ramesh Cherivirala, on Monday February 5 during the check presentation event, held at the Mayor’s office in the City Hall. Photos: Vanshika Vipin Varma

By Vanshika Vipin Varma

HOUSTON: In it’s philanthropic spirit; Indo American Charity Foundation (IACF) has been addressing needs in the areas of education, family, and healthcare in the Metro Houston area since almost three decades. They have been providing scholarships to high potential college bound students with financial needs, supporting local charities, feeding the homeless and needy, and providing free medical clinics and vaccinations.

About seven weeks after the Hurricane Harvey howled through the roofs and walls of several homes, shattering not only properties but also lives, the IACF team had organized a fundraising gala. Their cause to support the hurricane victims helped them raise $200,000, and earlier this month, a group of IACF Board members met with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, to present him with this check. While Houston has bounced back from the catastrophic damage, the city is still recovering and any kind of amount is significant enough for its speedy recovery.

A little known fact is that the fundraiser gala, which was held on October 7, 2017, was about to get cancelled. However, the immediate past president Dr. Vanitha Pothuri and the IACF board retained the idea of holding the gala, which went on to be successful, with more than $200,000 being raised. The chief guest of the gala, the philanthropic Swatantra Jain generously donated $50,000. He and his wife Bimla have donated to many local charities and stand amongst the well-known philanthropists in the Indian community. Dr. Pothuri committed $25,000 of her own, while Gala Chair, Swapnil Agarwal, committed another $10,000. The noble intent and hard work eventually paid off, as the gala turned out successful with around 600 people in attendance. Mayor Turner, the Guest of Honor at the fundraiser last year, was unable to attend the event and was represented by Houston Vice-Mayor Pro Tem Jerry V. Davis (District B).

The check presentation event was held at the Mayor’s office in the City Hall, on February 5. After a brief introduction session the check was presented to the Mayor. Mayor Turner stated, “I am overwhelmed and very thankful to everyone at IACF”. He mentioned that there were thousands of affected people that still need help, and these mainly included children and the elderly, people with special needs, people with low or no income, along with the ones who have exhausted their resources. Continuing his heartfelt thanks, he mentioned, “ I’m deeply thankful to everyone, and specially the entire South-Asian community, for coming forward to help support the victims of Harvey. This is a great demonstration of the amazing diversity of this city.” Swatantra Jain praised Mayor Turner as one of the greatest Mayors. Mahesh Wadhwa, the current President of IACF shared his thoughts. Referring to Mayor Turner, Wadhwa stated,“ This is just a drop in the bucket and we are honored that you are accepting this check”. Dr. Pothuri who was instrumental in making the gala a success shared with the Mayor the vision of IACF. She mentioned that IACF’s annual fundraising events help raise funds to help students in need of scholarships and to support other local organizations working towards improving health, education and human services in the Greater Houston Area. Mayor Turner wished IACF the best and mentioned that he was glad to receive the check.

Currently serving on the IACF’s Executive Committee are Mahesh Wadhwa, President; Swetha Arora, Secretary; Venkat Iyer, Treasurer; Sreeni Nakirekanti, Joint Treasurer; Shobana Muratee as President–Elect; and Dr. Vanitha Pothuri, Immediate Past President.

This year, IACF completes 30 years as a leading non-profit organization, representing the philanthropic spirit of the Indo American community in Houston. Driven by its motto “We Live Here, We Give Here,” IACF strives to serve the greater Houston community in more ways than it can.

IACF’s next event, ‘We Walk, We Care’, is a walk-a-thon being held in April 2018, in Sugar Land. For more information on IACF visit www.iacfhouston.com

February 15, 2018
IACF Elects Architect Mahesh Wadhwa as President

Mahesh Wadhwa

HOUSTON: Indo-American Charity Foundation (IACF) has elected Mahesh Wadhwa as its President for 2018.

Serving on the IACF’s Executive Committee with Wadhwa are Swetha Arora, Secretary; Venkat Iyer, Treasurer; Sreeni Nakirekanti, Joint Treasurer; Shobana Muratee as President–Elect; and Dr. Vanitha Pothuri, Immediate Past President.

Wadhwa joined IACF in 2015 as a Director and served during 2017 as the President-Elect.

“I would like to improve IACF’s community outreach,” explained Wadhwa as one of his goals for the charity organization. “Additional efforts will be conducted to focus on signature events and to build a strong platform for continuity for the 30-year-strong organization.”

In 2018, IACF completes 30 years as a leading non-profit representing the philanthropic spirit of the Indo American community in Houston while addressing needs in the areas of education, family, general needy and healthcare in the metro Houston area.

Driven by its motto “We live here, we give here,” IACF strives to serve the greater Houston community in more ways than it can. Last year, IACF was among the leading Indo-American organizations to support hurricane Harvey victims through fundraising and volunteer work.

Wadhwa is President of Wadhwa and Associates, Inc., an engineering and architectural firm providing building services for 35+ years. WAI specializes in designing hotels/motels, banks, medical/retail/office buildings, manufacturing & distribution facilities. With hundreds of projects under the belt, WAI has many satisfied customers around the world including: U.S., Mexico, Asia, and Africa.

After completing his B.S. in Architecture in 1966, Mahesh moved to U.S. in 1974 and worked with Stran Steel on the prestigious Alaska pipeline project. He then lead a team of architects at a sister company of MW Kellogg, before founding WAI in 1982.

Wadhwa brings a wealth of experience to IACF from his connections with professional, business and philanthropic organizations. He has served as an advisory board member of United Central Bank and American Society of Indian Engineers (ASIE), as council member at India House, and as the Vice-President of India Culture Center (ICC).

He has volunteered his design services for The Science of Soul Study Center, Sikh Center, Meenakshi Temple Society (MTS), Hindu Worship Society (HWS), the initial master planning of the India House. Presently he is designing the BAPS staff quarters. Wadhwa practices yoga regularly and is also an amateur singer. He lives with his wife Shashi. He has two sons and enjoys the company of his four grandchildren.

February 8, 2018
Motivational & Inspiring Charity Foundation Evening

Scholarship recipients with elected officials, and IACF members Dr. Ramesh Cherivirala (scholarship committee member and former IACF president), and Dr. Vanitha Pothuri (IACF president).

Click here to see Photo Collage

By Vanshika Vipin Varma

SUGAR LAND: The Indo American Charity Foundation (IACF) 2017 Scholarship Awards Reception event was held on Tuesday, May 30, at the FBISD Administration Building in Sugar Land. 26 well deserving and outstanding high school students from Fort Bend ISD, Alief ISD and Stafford Municipal School District were awarded scholarships based on their grade point average (GPA), SAT/ACT scores, personal essays, recommendations and after carefully assessing their needs. The IACF board presented scholarships ranging from $500 to $2500 and totaling to $36,000, along with the prestigious David Raj Scholarship that is bestowed each year to a student pursuing a career in medicine.

Scholarship Recipients with IACF 2017 scholarship committee and emcee’s Saiesh Kalva and Jhanvi Jain.

The event that lasted for around 2 hours began at 6:00 pm, and like each year it witnessed a gathering of over a hundred, that included excited parents, teachers, administrators and dignitaries. The ceremony began with a quick networking session where delicious appetizers were served. The emcee’s for the evening were Saiesh Kalva and Jhanvi Jain, who were at their charming best. Dr. Ramesh Cherivirala, committee member and former president of IACF welcomed everyone. He acknowledged all the past and present committee and board members, and thanked them and everyone else for their dedication and hard work. He informed everyone that IACF has been working with the Fort Bend ISD and Alief ISD for the past four years, and was happy to announce the addition of Stafford Municipal school district (SMSD) to this year’s list. Dr. Vanitha Pothuri, IACF president, followed his note with a presentation. She helped fill the gap for those who were not aware of IACFs background, and also informed the audience about the two big upcoming events- The IACF Grants Awards Night that will be held on June 29, where they will be funding almost 25 organizations, and the IACF Gala themed, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Stars”, to be held the October 7.

Prominent Houstonians that included the past presidents of IACF, heads of IACF’s partnering organizations, supporters and donors, then presented the scholarship certificates to each student. The motivational and inspiring evening saw quite a few dignitaries in attendance and some of them shared some encouraging notes that will incite these kids to do even better. The notable dignitaries and VIP’s included City of Sugar Land Councilman (At Large) Himesh Gandhi, Councilman Harish Jajoo, Fort Bend County District Attorney John F. Healey, Jr., Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy E. Nehls, Council Member Stafford Ken Mathew, Fort Bend ISD Trustee KP George, SMSD Trustee Xavier Herrera, Maria Raspberry (Deputy Superintendent, SMSD), Dr. Terry Sheneman (Director FBISD, Career and College Readiness Program), Dr. Crystal Collins (Alief ISD, Coordinator of Counseling). Towards the end of the event, these dignitaries helped Dr. Ramesh and Dr. Vanitha to present the ceremonial check to all the students. This was followed with a vote of thanks by committee chair Venkat Iyer.

The IACF Scholarship committee had concluded on the list of deserving students for this scholarship after a comprehensive process. This committee was led by committee chair Venkat Iyer and team members Dr. Ramesh Cherivirala, Joseph Ellankil, Alpa Shah, Dr. Ratna Kumar, Mahesh Wadwa, Dr. Purvi, Nanda Vura, Prem Cholia and assisted by Subha Iyer. This diverse and strategically assembled committee underwent an extensive selection process to review individual applications and hand pick the most deserving ones, from a long list of brilliant students, that seem to be growing each year in numbers. Through scholarships, the IACF supports dedicated, hardworking and immensely talented students who aspire to become health care professionals, entrepreneurs or engineers. The IACF hopes to make a difference in the future of these bright students. This event demonstrates in the true sense the spirit of IACF’s mission, “We live here We give here”.

For more information on IACF visit www.iacfhouston.com

2017 IACF Scholarship Recipients
Maite Ramos, FBISD
Sharde Shorter, FBISD
Miguel Robles, FBISD
Jessica Garcia, FBISD
Ava Mclauglin, FBISD
Stassney Brown, FBISD
Pauline Umyhoza, AISD
Chioma Duru, AISD
Emily Dycha, FBISD
Meyer Wilson Doe, FBISD
Faith Johnson, FBISD
Isabella Gallegos, FBISD
Z’Nae Magnum, FBISD
Deja Gardiner, SMSD
Leonardo Flores, AISD
Nikita Bhagat, FBISD
Amina Mabizari, AISD
Minnu Augustine, FBISD
Veronica Lopez, FBISD
Saraiah Walker, FBISD
Saul Flores, AISD
Debbie Tran, FBISD
Jannelly Areche, AISD
Christina Osuagwu, AISD
Yazan Abuashour, AISD
Helena Sutton, FBISD

June 9, 2017
IACF to Award $35,000 in Scholarships to Senior High School Students

2016 Scholarship recipients with Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen.

HOUSTON: The Indo American Charity Foundation (IACF) will hold its Annual Scholarship Day on May 30, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the FBISD Administration Building, 3119 Sweetwater Blvd, Sugar Land. Scholarships amounting to $35,000 will be dispersed among the twenty-nine outstanding senior high school students from Fort Bend ISD, Alief ISD and Stafford Municipal School District. The scholarships awarded are based on grade point average; SAT/ACT scores, personal essay, recommendation letters, and need to students that had applied. Among the Scholarships is the prestigious David Raj Scholarship that IACF presents each year to a student pursuing a career in medicine.

Each year, a large gathering of parents, teachers, administrators, and dignitaries attend the ceremony that is filled with cheer and jubilation. Join us to witness the demonstration of our mission “We live here We give here” in its fullest.

The Indo-American Charity Foundation’s (IACF) scholarship committee was led by Venkat Iyer and Dr. Ramesh Cherivirala and a team of IACF Directors, who coordinated in the selection, and planning of this event.

The Indo-American Charity Foundation has been serving the greater Houston area since 1988 through philanthropic endeavors focused on health, education, and human services. Through scholarships, the IACF supports the hardworking, vastly talented students aspiring to become health care professionals, entrepreneurs, and engineers. The IACF hopes to make a difference in the future of these bright students.

For more on IACF visit www.iacfhouston.com

May 26, 2017
Indo-American Charity Foundation’s Health Fair A Success: Doctors provide free services to local community

SUGAR LAND: On Saturday, August 27, almost 100 patients were seen at a health fair hosted by the Indo-American Charity Foundation (IACF).

Patients began lining up as early as 7:30 a.m. even though the health fair was not scheduled to begin until 8 a.m. For four hours, patients of all ages came to see three doctors who would provide free consultations for their respective specialties at the ACE Pain Management Center/Medwin Family Medicine & Rehab Clinic in Sugar Land.

Dr. Surya Raghuthu of ACE Pain Management provided guidance and tips to those dealing with chronic pain. Dr. Manjula Raghuthu, a family physician, gave assistance to patients dealing with a variety of health issues or those who just needed a regular check-up. Dr. Purvi Parikh, a dentist who is also an IACF board member, also donated her services with free dental check ups.

IACF Health Fair Board

The health fair allowed patients without insurance to get free tests for critical health conditions such as: Diabetes, Kidney function, Liver function, Cholesterol.

IACF holds similar health fairs throughout the year by partnering with other organizations and doctors. This was IACF’s second health fair of 2016. These health fairs not only provide benefits through doctor check-ups and testing, but also create a safe environment for people to address health concerns they may be avoiding.

To learn how you can support IACF or to become a volunteer, visit www.iacfhouston.com.

ABOUT IACF
The Indo-American Charity Foundation (IACF) is a non-profit charitable organization that helps the underprivileged and needy with monetary contributions and volunteer work through established and emerging organizations [501(c)3] in the Greater Houston Area. IACF was founded in 1988 by a group of Houstonians of Indian origin (Indo- American) compelled by an altruistic desire to give back to their local community. Their mission to help the underprivileged originated with the effort to fight hunger, and has now developed into a multi-faceted philanthropic endeavor to help those in need of health, education and human services in the Greater Houston Area.

September 1, 2016
IACF Annual Gala on Friday, September 30

HOUSTON: The Indo-American Charity Foundation (IACF) will hold its annual gala on Friday, September 30, 2016, at the Stafford Civic Center. The theme for this year’s gala is ‘After the Monsoon, Charity Blossoms’. The event will showcase IACF’s supporting charities, individuals and organizations that share its mission to serve communities in the Greater Houston area.

The evening will highlight new collaborations and initiatives accompanied with great food, drinks, and dancing.

To incorporate the After the Monsoon, Charity Blossoms theme, IACF has introduced various sponsorship levels, and Memorial Hermann Hospital is graciously serving as the grand sponsor of the event at the Lotus Level.

The non-profit organization is excited to involve the local community and will have its first Angels of Charity fashion show with local celebrities walking the ramp.

Active volunteers and supporters of IACF will be spotlighted as Friends of Charity during the evening.

Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a silent auction featuring artwork from local talent.

For the past 28 years IACF has raised funds to help support local organizations that are new and/or in need of aid to provide services to thousands of Houstonians. IACF invites you to come support their mission of “We live here. We give here.”

Funds raised during the 2016 Gala will support IACF’s programs and services and will support thousands of Houstonians. Our major sponsors Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center will be joined by other supporters in recognizing individuals and groups as “Angles of Charity’ and “Friends of Charity” on the occasion.

For more information about IACF and to purchase tickets for the gala, visit www.iacfhouston.com

To partner with IACF as a sponsor for the Gala, please contact Shweta Arora at (832)483-4442.

ABOUT IACF: The Indo-American Charity Foundation (IACF) is a non-profit charitable organization that helps the underprivileged and needy with monetary contributions and volunteer work through established and emerging organizations in the Greater Houston Area. IACF was founded in 1988 by a group of Houstonians of Indian origin (Indo- American) compelled by an altruistic desire to give back to their local community. Their mission to help the underprivileged originated with the effort to fight hunger, and has now developed into a multi-faceted philanthropic endeavor to help those in need of health, education and human services in the Greater Houston Area.

August 25, 2016
IACF Funds 21 Charities Serving Local Houston Community

2016 Charity Partners with IACF BOD
Photos: Roy Photography

Click Here for Photo Collage

By Vanshika Vipin

SUGAR LAND: For the past three decades the Indo-American Charity Foundation (IACF) has been receiving generous support from the philanthropic community in Houston, in the genres of Education, Family, General needy and Healthcare. IACF’s motto, ‘We live here We give here’, is being justified in true sense, where they foster the local community by not only taking care of their basic needs but also ensuring they lead enriched lives.

Nanda Vura

Thursday, June 23, witnessed one such milestone when IACF organized the annual IACF-2016 Funds Distribution Event at the Madras Pavilion. The event started at 7 pm with a networking session where delicious appetizers were served. It followed with the welcome address by Dr. Vanitha Pothuri, President Elect, IACF, welcoming the coalition. Shortly thereafter, Nanda Vura, President, IACF, embraced the event. In his address speech he mentioned that this year IACF has funded 21 charities from the four genres that have been their focus, Education, Family, General needy and Healthcare. A few of these were new and emerging charity foundations. Nanda seemed ecstatic when he mentioned that this event truly demonstrated the essence of IACF’s vision, ‘We Live Here We Give Here’. The gathering itself was infact a huge compliment to this vision and went on to support its underlying motto. People were glad to know about the new and expanded vision of IACF. This vision epitomized on giving more to the charities they support by making available the services of the newly constituted auxiliary committee that includes volunteers, technical experts amongst several others. Nanda earnestly requested the charities to involve IACF in their programs and give them an opportunity to serve and support. Nanda also took this opportunity to thank their charity partners, valuable donors, community and corporate leaders for making IACF- 2016 Funds Distribution Event a Grand Success.

Ramesh Cherivirala with Rajesh Dikonda (right)

The presentation of grants was then initiated, with Dr. Vanitha inviting the representatives from each of the recipient organizations. The community and corporate leaders oh Houston presented checks to these organizations. In her vote of thanks, Dr. Vanitha recited a poem, called Compassion, which exemplified the main cause behind this event.

Dr. Vanitha Pothuri

As delectable meal was being savored at dinner, people also rejoiced to the enchanting melodies by Mahalaxmi and Krishna, who thoroughly entertained everyone with their amusing performance.

It was truly an awe-inspiring evening; an evening to Learn, Get Inspired & Motivated with the remarkable work that IACF has been doing. Such a stupendous evening it was that it left everyone in high spirits and so looking forward to the next event- the ‘IACF-2016 Gala, After the Monsoon when charity Blossoms’, which will be hosted at the Stafford Center on September 30, 2016.

Krishna and Mahalaxmi

IACF’s Charity Partners:
Indian American Cancer Network, Literacy Advance, Indian Doctors Charity Clinic, PEACE – (Parent Engagement for Active Child Enrichment), KNOW Autism Foundation, Indian Senior Citizens Association, AVANCE Houston Inc, YLDP Houston – Youth Leadership Development Program, iEducate USA, SEARCH (in kind), Asians Against Domestic Abuse, Richmond State School, REACH Unlimited, Child Advocates of Fort Bend, Turning Point Center, Fort Bend Women’s Center, Daya, Friends Helping Friends, Naomi House, Ovarcome, PAIR – (Partnership for the Advancement and Immersion of Refugees.

July 1, 2016
Fathers and Grandfathers are Serenaded at ISCA’s Function

From left, Govind Shetty, on the tabla; Tej Ganju on the harmonium; Saumya Rege singing and Suresh Shenoy on the sound board and singing solo and duets performed at the Father’s Day program at India House for the ISCA seniors. Vidya Hegde, a ghazal singer is not pictured.

By Jawahar Malhotra

HOUSTON: It was a large crowd of seniors – and even many elderly seniors – who came out to wish each other a happy Father’s Day at India House last Saturday, June 18. It has become a sort of tradition over the past few years to serenade seniors at Mothers and Father’s Day – and over the past two years, even on Grandparent’s Day which the Indian Senior Citizens Association is organizing in partnership with the Indo American Charity Foundation which dreamt up the idea.

And at each Mother’s and Father’s Day, different groups of people from the community have ventured forward with musical programs to serenade the seniors, usually to packed halls, followed by a luncheon from a local restaurant, again sponsored by the performing group. This year it was Udipi Café with some comforting vegetable dishes; and in the past it has been Madras Pavilion for several years.

Saumya Rege with the emcee, Subodh Bhuchar

The Father’s Day event this past weekend was performed and sponsored by a group of middle-aged music enthusiasts with the hastily found name of Subodh and Company, after the mastermind and radio personality, Subodh Bhuchar, a doctor himself but self-professed music aficionado, comedian and auctioneer at many a gala. Bhuchar pulled together a bunch of his friends to form the orchestra and singers while he emceed and joked his way through the over hour-long set on stage in the large banquet hall.

ISCA President Praful Gandhi (right), with Secretary Bharat Shah and Board member Ramesh Patel

Along with him were Govind Shetty, a banker and an accomplished table player; Tej Ganju, a keyboard specialist on the harmonium; Suresh Shenoy on the sound board and singing solo and duets with the other singer, Saumya Rege and Vidya Hegde, also a doctor in The Woodlands and a ghazal singer who went to medical school with Bhuchar.

The group played some delightful music and songs from yesteryear which the seniors could hum and sway along to and showed their delight by clapping in on the faster numbers. Shenoy started with an old patriotic song “jahan dal dal kar” and Rege and Hedge added in with melodious songs and ghazals. And then the music flowed until lunchtime.

Tahir Ansari (left) and Ajit Ahluwalia of Security Nationwide kept an eye out in the parking lot.

Prior to the beginning of the event, ISCA President Praful Gandhi started the function off with chanting Om five times and then prathna (prayer) before turning it over to a few other Board members who spoke about the importance of Father’s Day. ISCA Secretary Bharat Shah spoke in Hindi about his feeling for Fathers, noting that “when it’s a small situation, we say “hey Maa” but when it’s a big problem, we say “Baap re!” Sudha Trivedi spoke lovingly about Fathers quoting a story she found online about how you would spend the last 24 hours of your life. Arun Banker spoke the last piece on Fathers in a long passage in Hindi.

June 23, 2016
Ek Disha Foundation and Indo American Charity Foundation Combine Efforts to Aid Flood Victims

CAM Administration: Janet Knott, Monique Wright, Martha Burnes, and Swati Narayan

HOUSTON: On Friday, May 5, two Houston based South Asian organizations, the Ek Disha Foundation and the Indo American Charity Foundation, combined fundraising efforts to present the Cypress Assistance Ministries (CAM) with $5000 in HEB gift cards (two hundred $25 gift cards) to assist the flood victims in the 77084 zip code. The 77084, an area sandwiched between the City of Houston and the City of Katy, is uniquely disadvantaged in that it does not receive city services from either city. 20% of the residents (approximately 20,000 people) in this area (many of whom are immigrants), lost property in the April 18 floods.

While parts of Houston were still under water, the Ek Disha Foundation (EDF), which funds, mentors, and supports high impact, sustainable projects globally and locally, jumped into action by conducting a goods drive, collecting nonperishable food, toiletries, and cleaning supplies. EDF reached out to other South Asian organizations to collaborate efforts, and the Indo American Charity Foundation (IACF), whose motto is “We live here. We give here,” quickly responded with their support. In the span of 6 days, the two organizations raised $5000 towards the purchase of HEB grocery store gift cards for almost 200 families in the 77084 zip code.

As the only support agency serving the 77084 zip code, Cypress Assistance Ministries is providing cleaning supplies, up to $500 rental assistance for flood victims, and now, thanks to the combined donation from EDF and IACF, will be able to provide much needed funds for families to purchase groceries. While most of the Greater Houston area has recovered and sees none of the effects of the floods, thousands of people are still deeply impacted by it. The joint efforts of EDF and IACF seek to bring necessary attention to their needs and provide assistance so that residents may quickly move towards rebuilding their lives.

Vanessa, a flood victim, her daughter, and Martha Burnes, CAM’s Executive Director.

The Ek Disha Foundation (EDF) is a ten-year-old, grass roots, volunteer run organization that funds, mentors, and facilitates high impact, sustainable projects in the areas of health, education, and enterprise. EDF seeks the resolution of humanitarian needs through projects and/or ideas that are sustainable and scalable. Some of their project areas include sanitary hygiene, trafficking, access to clean water, maternal and fetal health, to list a few. $3000 Gift Card Donation to CAM.

The Indo American Charity Foundation is a 29-year-old organization that appeals to the philanthropic spirit of the Indo American community in Houston to address needs in the areas of Education, Family, General needy and Healthcare in the metro Houston area. Their mission is to foster the local community “whose basic needs are met and where everyone can lead enriched lives.” $2000 Gift Card Donation to CAM.

“IACF is excited to join hands with Ek Disha foundation to work on projects benefiting Greater Houston Community in line with IACF mission of ‘WE LIVE HERE WE GIVE HERE’, We thank Ek Disha for coordinating the distribution of our donation to recent flood affected victims in our neighborhood”.–NANDA VURA President IACF

May 12, 2016
Raghavan Receives Fulbright US Scholar Award

HOUSTON: Dr. Kamala Raghavan, a Texas Southern University Jesse H. Jones School of Business Associate Professor of Accounting, has been awarded a 2016-17 Fulbright U.S. Scholar grant. She will conduct interdisciplinary research on the impact of India’s adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards on financial reporting, auditing, and cybersecurity with this award.

Raghavan served as president (2015) for the Indo-American Charity Foundation and is currently a Board Director. She is known for her dedication and passion for service and continues to serve on the boards of many non-profit organizations benefiting the Houston community.

The Fulbright Scholar Program, part of the United States Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, is an educational and cultural exchange program that connects people and encourages them to learn about others’ cultures and values.

On receiving the award Raghavan said she was “honored to receive the award and humbled by the credentials of some of the previous awardees. Because of the vast scope of my research topic, Impact of India’s Adoption of IFRS on the Financial Reporting, Auditing, and Cybersecurity, I am hoping that the research results will be quite promising and useful to other countries in their adoption of IFRS.”

Raghavan expects her time commitment to this project to be intense as she will work with other researchers in Ahmedabad, India during the fall 2016 semester, and then share the results with fellow academics in 2017. “Rapid changes in technology, globalization, inter-connectivity and computing power, global trade, combined with changes in regulations will require future business leaders to apply critical thinking and analytical problem solving skills,” she said. “Inter-disciplinary approaches to find business solutions will be the norm rather than the exception in the future. I will work with students to keep informed about new global business and technology developments, and approach solutions strategically using integrated thinking”.

April 14, 2016
The Unique Charm of Awards Brings Friends and Support to IACF’s Gala

Photos: Murali Santhana

Click here for Photo Collage

By Jawahar Malhotra

SUGAR LAND: A change in venue to the heartland of Asians in this Metroplex and a focus on those who are paving a path for future generations – Gen-Next as the promotional materials called them – helped the Indo American Charity Foundation to raise its profile this past weekend when it held its annual Gala at the Sugar Land Marriott in Town Square on Saturday, September 12.

Over the past decade, the 28-year-old charity has tried many venues for its annual gala, from the Hilton Americas (site of last year’s event) to the Safari Texas Ranch (where the 2012 gala was held) but this year’s venue may have been the best choice for its annual fundraiser. The convenience of the location for many of its supporters who live in the area brought in a good-sized crowd of 350, according to organizers.

The thrust of the Gala was to recognize and reward the eighteen people, both young and old, who have made an impact on the lives of future generations of Indo Americans. Billed as the “Gen-Next Influential Friends of Charity Awards”, the Board of Directors of the IACF had sought out nominations from across the community, according to Dr. Kamala Raghavan, the current IACF President, and then narrowed down the field. “Each of these honorees is an inspiration to the next generation to follow in providing help to the needy among us,” said Raghavan from the podium. “We salute their accomplishments, applaud their efforts and humbly support their charity work,” she added.

After a cocktail hour in the lobby for most, and a private reception for the honorees, the guests ushered into the main ballroom and the two long tables and aisles of silent auction items were also brought in, set along the back wall, where they continued to do a brisk trade. All eyes in the packed hall were on the stage where Srisanvitha Sridhar, the 2013 IACF Music Idol Winner sang a melodious invocation. Raghavan made her welcome speech and then asked Isha Salas Deselle, the Founder and Executive Director of Turning Point, a local homeless shelter for the elderly in Spring Branch, to speak from her experiences. IACF has provided free flu vaccinations and financial support for Turning Point, a charity it supports.

Other charities supported by the IACF were also on hand to talk about the work they do for the community, like Jaishri Kothandaraman and Venkat Dikonda of PEACE which supports education programs and those to which grants were handed out onstage, like Indian Doctors Charity Clinic; Literacy Advance; Friends Helping Friends and Casa de Esperanza.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the awards – a beautifully framed picture and short bio of the recipients – to each of the 18 people (see list in box) who had come to the gala, many with their friends and family, as the emcee for the evening, the radiant Nina Desai (last year’s Mrs. Bollywood) read out short excerpts from their resume. The honorees were also appreciated in the gala souvenir which had full page pictures and biographies on each of them.

Entertainment for the evening featured a fashion show and Bollywood dance by Jaz Creations whose founder and Executive Director Jasmeeta Singh performed along with several other young women onstage. A live auction was held for eight antique art pieces (from Zarposh India) and diamond jewelry (from Select Jewelers) items, pushed along by Dr. Nik Nikam (one of the honorees) who had conducted last year’s auction too; but it failed to get the crowd’s enthusiasm. Alpa Shah (an IACF Director) captivated the audience with a heartfelt movie song from yesteryear, and then relinquished the mic to Anand Chauhan (another IACF Director) who played along on his guitar as his lead singer Malika Ghei pumped it up with more contemporary pop Hindi songs.

As catered dinner (from Dawat Catering, who also provided the abundant appetizers) was served at the tables, Nanda Vura, the incoming IACF President thanked many of the individuals who had made the Gala a reality. DJ Zee played out some fast remixes and Bollywood hits as many guests showed off their moves on the dance floor.

IACF 2015 Friends of Charity Award Recipients

Abhijit Gadgil
Asif Dakri
Atul Kothari
Chandrakantha & David Courtney
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Dr. S.G. Appan
Juuhi Ahuja
Dr. Kamlesh Lulla
Dr. Karun Sreerama
Koshy Thomas
Dr. Nat Bala
George R. Willy
Dr. Nik Nikam
Dr. Padmini R. Nathan
Ravi K. Sandill
Sockalingam “Sam” Kannappan
Stuti Trehan Patel
Dr. Randy Briones

September 17, 2015
Excitement Between Generations Runs Both Ways in Races and in Colors

IACF Directors (from left) Sreeni Nakirekanti, Ponnada Narayana, Kamala Raghavan and Prem Cholia
with ISCA’s Ravi Arora at the event.

By Jawahar Malhotra

HOUSTON: For one morning, the halls and the lobby where meetings are usually held and a buffet line is served became a hub-bub for peals of laughter, commotion, lemon-in-spoon races, face painting, drawing and coloring contests. Senior citizens and their young grandkids had taken over the building in one of the community’s few kid-friendly activities!

IACF Director Dr. Mahendra Jain with the medical consult booth.

For the second year in a row, the Indo American Charity Foundation teamed up with the Indian Senior Citizens Association to hold a Desi Grandparents Day this past Sunday, July 12 at the India House on West Bellfort. “The seniors even showed up 30 minutes before the scheduled time,” smiled IACF President Kamala Raghavan as she and several other volunteers raced to get the preparations made for the event that ended after lunch (catered by Udippi Café) around 2pm. IACF coordinator Ramesh Cherivirala could not attend, but ISCA coordinator Ravi Arora had his hands full!

Dr. Purvi Parikh gave free dental exams and consultation

It was an event for both demographics, with a couple of medical screening booths set up for the aged to check their vital signs and get a free dental checkup and consult Dr. Purvi Parikh of A to Z Dental. Doctors and nurses from the Houston Methodist Primary Care Group (coordinated by IACF Board Director Dr. Mahendra Jain) checked blood pressure, gave free consult and gave away free samples to a line of 200 elderly who waited patiently in line. The regular ISCA monthly meeting was delayed and abbreviated until after a light snack and the kid’s games.

But in fact, the kid’s games were the main focus of the event which brought in over 250 people on a bright, hot Sunday morning. It started with a couple of rounds of musical chairs where young kids and tykes walked around hand-in-hand with their grandparents, jumping onto a spare chair as the music stopped abruptly. It moved on to a lemon-spoon race as the gramps and kiddies raced the length of the long lobby.

Little tykes showed off their face painting results
Photos: Jawahar Malhotra

And the waiting room of the Sareen Clinic was turned into a drawing and coloring zone, with a clown painting faces and making balloon toys for a long line of eager kids who excitedly later posed to show off on stage. Ratna Kumar, the celebrated dance artist and director of the Anjali School of Performing Arts (and also an IACF Director) guided little kids, including her young grand-daughter through dance steps on stage to the delight of the doting grandparents!

“I have had the pleasure of recently becoming a grandparent,” beamed Vipin Kumar, the General Manager of India House as he welcomed the guests to the function, proudly pointing to his sleeping two-month-old grand-daughter Myra. He introduced the goals and functions of India House with a short video.

The musical chairs brought in a lot of excitement

Raghavan emphasized IACF’s mission to give back to the 23 organizations (ISCA is one of them) that it supports every year. “We live here, we give here,” she declared, referring to IACF’s tag line, “and we’ll continue to enhance our services every year.” IACF will hold its next event on August 9 (End Child Abuse) and it’s Gala on September 12. But, for the young minds that wondered the halls that Sunday, and their doting Desi grandparents, relating with others and sharing in the delight was what it was all about!

July 16, 2015