It was a day of celebrating women’s inherent potential and success stories. Over 260 women came to Children’s Hope India annual Spring Lunch in Long Island, NY, to support the vocational training projects supporting the girl child in the urban slums and rural India.
The highlight of the afternoon was connecting with noted jewelry designer Ranjana Khan, who was honored as CHI’s Woman of Distinction. CH Board member Maya Rajani spoke about the new CHI vocational programs for young women in India, before introducing Ranjana Khan who received the award from Tinku Jain, CHI’s first honoree for this award.
Ranjana Khan spoke eloquently about her journey as model, wife, mother and entrepreneur in the dizzying world of high fashion. “Let’s be honest – many Indian women want sons, not daughters,” she said. “And yet here we are in this beautiful room filled with beautiful women who are all doing such interesting things with their lives. Today, I have meet salsa dancers, kick boxers and successful businesswomen.”
She added that when she was told about Children’s Hope India and its efforts to support the girl child, it peaked her interest. “In my family, I was the second daughter – there was no excitement for my birth. But I have two sons so my stock rose in the family! ” she joked. ” I never went to college but I fought the odds and followed my passion for fashion. At 42, I started my own business and at 53, I started my own brand.
My message today to all the beautiful women in the room is that it’s never too late and to follow your passion. If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.”
In honor of Ranjana Khan, Children’s Hope presented a check to Nivedita Chandrappa, director of Wishwas, a New York based organization which works with low-income South Asian women, and which Ranjana Khan supports.
It was an afternoon of doing good – and also feeling good. The dynamic young members of the benefit committee had organized a fun afternoon which is looked forward to as the social event of the Spring season. A sizzling Miami ambiance had been created right in the middle of Long Island at the Crest Hollow Country Club by events planner Jharna Jaisinghani of Artistic Affairs. Women had come in from the tri-state area to catch up with friends, enjoy cocktails and lunch – and shop for a great cause.
There were colorful pop up boutiques set up by young women entrepreneurs: SexiGuru showed the best in resort wear; Sonika Nanda showed her stunning collection of shawls – Shawls by Sonika; Priyal Kothari of Jewel Joy displayed her latest collection of fine, contemporary jewelry.
What’s an event without some sinfully rich chocolate? Noted pastry chef Surbhi Sahni of Tulsi restaurant has turned entrepreneur with her line of packaged desserts by Bittersweet NYC, and guests got a delicious tasting besides a chance to buy.
Other highlights were an informal fashion show by Shimmer Boutique and a sizzling performance by Peter and Julz of the Arthur Murray Dance Studio which brought the heat of Miami right to the dance floor. Who says you can’t have fun while doing good?
( Children’s Hope India is a volunteer organization of Indian women professionals in New York that has been raising funds for children’s health and education since 1992. It supports over 20 projects across several major cities in India reaching out to over 20,000 children per year. )
1 Comment
Dear Lavina
Congratulations to the hard-working team of Children’s Hope.
Great cause, great event and extremely successful event.
Keep up the good work!