May 24, 2005 > Have a ball while helping local homeless and elderly

by Nitasha Sharma

On Friday, May 20, 2005, the Fremont/Newark Hilton came to life for the Second Annual Indo-American Charity Ball. The event, inspired by local volunteers who make up Indo-Americans for Better Community (IndoABC - a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt, Charitable organization), showcased Indian and American culture and the results of fundraising for two local charities.

The primary beneficiary of the Charity Ball was the Tri-City Homeless Coalition (TCHC), specifically the BridgeWay East Apartments, and Project Independence. BridgeWay East is a housing structure scheduled to be completed in July of 2005. It will be the home of many underprivileged families, and a way for those families to regain a self-sufficient stance in life. Project Independence is a program that was created in order to prevent newly emancipated foster youth from becoming homeless. TCHC received a check for $25,001.01. Dr. Rakesh Sharma explained that the odd amounts on each check represented the bit extra that is always in our pockets to give to worthy causes.

Life ElderCare's Meals on Wheels program also benefited from the proceeds of the event. The Meals on Wheels program makes it possible for 350 meals to be delivered each day to homebound elderly and needy in the Tri-City area. Meals on Wheels received a check for $5,001.01.

Last year's Charity Ball was the first of its kind locally, and raised $25,000 for the Tri-City Homeless Coalition's BridgeWay East program. Additionally, the $25,000 donation from Indo-ABC and its supporters was matched by a grant from the Fremont Bank Foundation and the Sobrato Family Foundation. This year, the Sobrato Family Foundation has renewed their grant, and will once again match the community's donation.

For information regarding IndoABC, please contact, Dr. Rakesh Sharma at (510)657-0396, or visit IndoABC's website at www.IndoABC.com. Donations are always welcome and tax-deductible.