November 14, 2006 > ICC of Milpitas raises money to support programs

by Sunita Sohrabji

A capacity crowd of more than 800 people attended the India Community Center's (ICC) Third Annual Banquet and Auction on November 3. The event raised more than $350,000 to fund the Center's many programs and services.

The theme of the annual banquet was "Building for Tomorrow," emphasizing the center's vision of a legacy for future generations, and also next year's move to a new facility in Milpitas, roughly doubling the size of its existing 20,000 square foot headquarters.

Emceed by NBC11 Sports Anchor Raj Mathai and KTVU reporter Priya David, the famed Jollywood Dancers - ICC's troupe of seniors, none under 65 - took to the stage to dance to the popular Hum Tum, replete with Bollywood-style sunglasses and flashy outfits. The center’s children and teens also took to the stage and performed an original comedy production based on the story of a newcomer to the U.S., and his first encounter with ICC.

Dr. Anmol Mahal, president of the California Medical Association and ICC board member, spoke of the center's plans to open a new medical clinic - free and open to all - at the new Milpitas site mid next year. Mahal stressed the need for such a clinic, citing the thousands of Bay Area residents who lack access to health care and his own experiences as a new immigrant without health insurance.