India Tribune Newsdesk
Chicago: The SEWA International Chicago Chapter hosted its first annual gala on May 16 at the Pearl Banquet & Conference Center, bringing together community leaders, dignitaries, donors, and volunteers to support the organization’s growing humanitarian and service initiatives across the Chicagoland area and beyond.
The event drew more than 180 attendees, including many first-time participants eager to learn about SEWA’s mission and community impact. Among the distinguished guests was Consul Sanjeev Kumar Pal, who attended alongside local leaders and supporters from various sectors.
The gala focused on highlighting several of SEWA International’s flagship initiatives, including Sponsor a Child (SAC), SHE, LEAD, Senior Sewa, and Serve 9/11. Organizers emphasized the organization’s commitment to education, women’s empowerment, leadership development, disaster relief, and senior support programs both in India and within local communities in the United States.
Representing SEWA at the national level, Anil Deshpande introduced attendees to the nonprofit’s broader mission and ongoing outreach efforts. Organizers noted that more than half of the guests attending the gala were new to SEWA, reflecting the organization’s expanding reach and increasing visibility within the community.
The evening also featured entertainment and motivational programming designed to engage attendees and celebrate the spirit of volunteerism and collective service. Singer Vivek Aggarwal, magician Saloni Nahar, and DJ Bharat Oza provided performances throughout the event. Guests were further inspired by remarks from Tori Franklin, a four-time national champion in the triple jump, who delivered a motivational address emphasizing perseverance, leadership, and community impact.
Sponsors and donors played a significant role in supporting the gala. Organizations including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois and McKinsey & Company, along with community partners such as Vyayam and Srini Ramadath, contributed through sponsored tables and continued philanthropic support. Regular donors were also honored during the evening with Sponsor a Child plaques recognizing their contributions to SEWA’s charitable programs.
Raffle prizes donated by SEWA supporters added excitement to the evening, culminating in two grand raffle prizes of $500 gift certificates sponsored by Tanishq Jewellers.
According to organizers, the gala generated overwhelmingly positive feedback both during and after the event, particularly regarding increased awareness of SEWA’s local service efforts. Attendees expressed appreciation for programs such as Senior Sewa, Serve 9/11, and LEAD, which continue to support vulnerable populations and encourage civic engagement across the region.
The event also helped recruit several new volunteers interested in contributing their time and skills to SEWA’s future initiatives, reflecting what organizers described as a strong spirit of service and giving back within the community.
SEWA International Chicago Chapter extended gratitude to its advisory board members, volunteers, sponsors, and media partners—including A3N Media, TV Asia, Hindi Khabar, and India Tribune—for helping make the inaugural gala a successful and impactful community gathering.
