March 20, 2012 > Unity Dinner celebrates diversity Unity Dinner celebrates diversity By Mekala Neelakantan Join the Indo-American Community Federation (IACF-US) for its annual "Unity Dinner" on Friday, March 23. This fundraiser has become a highly-anticipated event, promoting harmony, celebrating diversity, and uniting the community. IACF, a non-profit organization created by Jeevan Zutshi in 1993, serves as a catalyst to encourage networking, volunteering, and collaboration by promoting mainstream involvement of Indo-Americans in community issues through seminars, meetings, and cultural exchanges. Zutshi explains, "So you see the purpose - uniting all different communities and lawmakers by rallying behind issues." Since its inception in 2002, IACF's annual Unity Dinners have served to draw the community together and promote unity, attracting over 300 elected officials, professionals, and leaders of the every year. This year's Unity Dinner theme is "Creation Nation: Making us stronger, one job at a time." Several renowned guests and speakers are scheduled to attend including keynote speaker Carl Guardino, President and CEO of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, host of "The CEO Show," and Guest of Honor Congressman Mike Honda. In addition to the speakers at this sit-down dinner, attendees will enjoy diverse entertainment including music by producer Giju John, of Latin-Indian music fame, songs by Rebecca Dharmapalan, currently working on a track to be released for "Bike to Work Day," as well as exciting performances by children dance troupes and a Bhangra team. Attendees will also receive Zutshi's book, "The Last Smile," chronicling the experiences of immigrant families as they raise their children in different cultures, in addition to discussing the dangers of unregulated over-the-counter supplements. "This year, we really stepped up our entire Unity Dinner program," Zutshi said. "We've brought in some fresh new team members, recruited five-star level entertainers, and have keynote speaker Carl Guardino, who is dynamic, charismatic, and knowledgeable. 2012 will be a good year for Unity Dinner." Tickets for the IACF Unity Dinner cost $85 per person, $170 per couple, or $800 per table. This dinner is a large community event, and is often sold out, so reserve them quickly! For more information, contact Co-Chair Diana Rohini LaVigne at media@indocommunity.us, or call (408)-596-IACF. Unity Dinner Friday, Mar 23 6:15 p.m. to 11 p.m. Fremont Marriot Silicon Valley's Grand Ballroom 46100 Landing Parkway, Fremont (408)-596-IACF (4223) www.indocommunity.us Tickets: $85 per person, $170 per couple, $800 per table