$435K Raised, Hundreds Inspired: Caring Hand Gala Fuels Children’s Dreams

India-West Staff Reporter

UNIVERSAL CITY, CA – Caring Hand for Children hosted its 19th Annual Fundraising Gala on October 4 at the Hilton Los Angeles here, bringing together more than 325 guests for an inspiring evening of compassion, entertainment, and community spirit.

The event raised over $435,000 to support the organization’s mission of empowering underprivileged children through education.

Guests included community leaders, donors, volunteers, sponsors, and Hollywood personalities, such as Smriti Mundhra, creator of Indian Matchmaking, and Louis Price, former lead singer of The Temptations.

Emceed by Noopur Chhabra Segal and Emmy-nominated screenwriter Christian Magalhaes, the evening began with heartfelt gratitude to sponsors and donors, followed by the presentation of the Caring Hand Mission Video. The video highlighted the organization’s 24-year journey, during which it has supported and educated over 23,500 children across 20 projects in India. Many alumni have gone on to become teachers, electricians, plumbers, attorneys, business owners, and videographers.

Currently, Caring Hand sponsors the education of more than 3,500 children from marginalized backgrounds, including those who are visually or hearing impaired or living in extreme poverty.

The gala also spotlighted Caring Hand’s U.S. initiatives, including monthly meal programs providing over 800 meals to the homeless across five Southern California locations. Another highlight was the first Caring Hand Walk, which raised $15,000 for the John Paul Slum Development Project in Pune.

As a 100% volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Caring Hand operates without payroll expenses, with more than 90 trustees, directors, ambassadors, and volunteers ensuring every dollar raised directly benefits children in need. First-time attendees were warmly welcomed and recognized with applause.

The evening featured a children’s dance performance celebrating the organization’s multi-generational growth, alongside a lighthearted skit emphasizing Caring Hand’s transparency and accountability. Guests could scan a QR code at each table to access eight years of financial statements.

The live auction, including three exclusive sushi Omakase experiences by Vinay Sushi, raised $13,400. A moving video about Satish, a 13-year-old deaf student at the NOIDA Deaf Society, underscored the Sponsor a Child program, which provides full educational support for $20 a month. At this year’s gala, 305 children were newly sponsored, raising $73,200.

The evening concluded with a sumptuous Indian dinner, lively performances by local singer Nauzad, raffle drawings, and silent auction winners, leaving guests inspired and connected to Caring Hand’s mission.