Kickoff for September gala
Festive Indo American Charity Foundation mixer proves that Thursday is the newFriday
Anu Bala, David RajPhoto by Melissa Chou Yan
Sonal BhucharPhoto by Melissa Chou Yan
Michelle Vargas, Danny VargasPhoto by Melissa Chou Yan
Sandra Mangini, Juan ManginiPhoto by Melissa Chou Yan
Surender Talwar, Phillip KloecknerPhoto by Melissa Chou Yan
More than 150 predominantly first generation Indian Americans gathered at the Houston Museum of Natural Science for the Indo American Charity Foundation (IACF) donors appreciation mixer, proving once and for all that Thursday is the new Friday.
On a recent Thursday night, guests sipped fine wines, nibbled on bites catered by City Kitchen and swayed to the music of guitarist Danny Vargas and vocalist Michelle Vargas from David Raj & Friends band. Raj, the foundation's 2012 president-elect, is a man of many talents. A financial advisor, he also has a keen passion for music. His band performs regularly at charity fundraisers.
Houston Museum of Natural Science vice president of marketing and communications (and Raj's niece) Latha Thomas thanked the foundation for its donations to promote the museum’s science programs at the Sugar Land location. "We are extremely grateful to IACF as the museum’s mission is science education,” she said.
Styles of dress varied at the mixer. While some women were adorned in traditional outfits, most were in summer dresses or cocktail attire.
“Not a lot of Indian events are hosted here and so my Uncle David was quite excited hosting the mixer amidst the world’s finest gem and mineral collections," Thomas added.
For over 23 years, the IACF has been the leading charity organization representing the philanthropic outreach of over 150,000 Indian Americans living in Houston. Proceeds from the annual gala are distributed to more than 30 charities, including Literacy Council of Fort Bend, Houston Food Bank, Houston Area Women's Center and Teach for America. IACF raised about $280,000 at the 2010 gala. The goal for this year's gala, on Sept. 16 at the InterContinental Hotel, is $500,000.
Styles of dress varied at the mixer. While some women were adorned in traditional outfits, most were in summer dresses or cocktail attire.
Making an impact were newly elected Sugar Land councilman Harish Jajoo and Shashi Jajoo, FBISD board president Sonal Bhuchar, IACF president Anu Bala, Reji Joseph, Surender Talwar, Meena Dutt, Bobby Singh, Phillip Kloeckner, Pradeep Anand and Vijay Pallod.
Ruchi Mukherjee is a lifestyle journalist based for TV Asia and host of online magazine Lights Camera Action.
