A Black and White World, for Children’s Hope
One never knew there could be so many shades, so many textures and so many patterns in black and white! At the Children’s Hope India Black and White Ball, over 450 guests had come dressed in these two stark, striking colors and created a surreal, stylish world. This being an Indian event, the color red had been thrown in, and even the decor, right down to the table linens, was black and white with a touch of red.
Pier Sixty in Manhattan was transformed into a stunning black and white universe in celebration of CHI’s 20th year of service to children. Two decades ago this New York-based non-profit started as a small group of women professionals hoping to make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged children.
Now in 2012, CHI has over 20 projects across India which have served 200,000 children, looking after their health, education and vocational training. CHI projects are in Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Bhuj, Pune, Jabalpur and several villages in Rajasthan and Maharashtra.
In this beautiful, formal event, guests entered a dramatic black and white world with music and dance from the glorious Indian film industry which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Models in designer wear from Shehnai Boutique created a stylish still-life tableaux. The gala evening raised $ 400,000 for CHI health and education projects in India and the US.
Guests literally entered the Black and White world by being photographed in front of a life-size black and white mural of Raj Kapoor and Nargis in an iconic rain-drenched scene from ‘Shree 420’. Later, carrying the Indian cinema theme further, guests were treated to lively musical numbers by Aatma Performing Arts, highlighting the best of Bollywood.
The evening was hosted by Tinku Jain, CHI advisory board member and popular television celebrity. As she noted: ” I truly believe in its credo, ‘Every child counts.’ For them, the things we call necessities — food, clean water, health care and education — are gifts. I am so proud to be part of an organization that works so tirelessly to give children the basics that can change their lives and give them, as the name says, ‘Hope’.”
At the Black and White Gala top leaders of the corporate and business world are recognized for their leadership, philanthropy and support of social causes with the Lotus Award. This year’s honorees were Dr. Swati Piramal and Dr. Chitranjan Ranawat, leaders in the world of pharmaceuticals and medicine respectively.
Dr. P. Jayaraman, the noted scholar and past director of Bharati Vidya Bhavan received the Making a Difference Award for bringing Indian culture into the lives of immigrants far from home. Gul and Rattan Samtani were honored with the Special Recognition Award for their pioneering support of Children’s Hope for two decades.
A highlight of the evening was the new partnership with Meera and Vikram Gandhi’s Giving Back Foundation which has funded a $15,000 grant supporting CHI Scholarships in India and the US. Said Meera Gandhi, “This new Children’s Hope India scholarship provides us with the opportunity to give back to people in the two places to which we feel closest and most grateful: the city of New York and the country of India.”
Dina Pahlajani, founder of CHI, spoke about the growth of the organization in two decades and the powerful impact so many supporters have had on the work being done. She also introduced CH2, the dynamic junior branch and two of its members, Monica Lund and Neel Pahlajani spoke eloquently about the contributions the younger generation can make to the lives of underprivileged children.
The Giving Tree and silent auction had many upscale and one of a kind items including a painting by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, a cricket bat signed by the entire Indian cricket team, and a stunning black and white embellished saree by noted designer Anita Dongre, who also gifted stylish tote bags for all the guests.
All the fun added up to a big fundraiser for children’s health and education projects, raising over $400,000. Check out this remarkable little video to see the magic of giving.
Related Articles:
Children’s Hope – Every Child Counts
An Evening in Rajasthan
When Mumbai Came to Manhattan.
