SAHARA Gala Celebrates Hope, Healing, And Community Impact
India-West Staff Reporter
GARDEN GROVE, CA – SAHARA (South Asian Helpline and Referral Agency) held its annual fundraising gala on September 20 at the Delta Hotels by Marriott, here, bringing together 240 supporters for an evening of celebration, remembrance, and inspiration.
The event raised funds to expand services for survivors of domestic violence, elder abuse, and other forms of trauma, including transitional housing for elders, support at SAHARA’s two shelters, legal advocacy, counseling, and survivor empowerment programs.
Guests were welcomed by the soothing sounds of sitar by Ronobir during cocktail hour and then the evening began with an informative video on SAHARA. David Palmer greeted attendees in Hindi and Bengali, while emcee and auctioneer Miji Vellakateel, Governance Chair and Secretary of the board, energized the crowd with humor and warmth.
The fundraising highlight came with a $500,000 matching contribution from Manu and Rika Shah of The Shah Happiness Foundation, who also announced a $1 million donation, along with a $100,000 gift from Smita and Tarun Sanghvi. Generosity from many donors allowed SAHARA to surpass its fundraising goals.
A moving skit by youth volunteers and staff depicted survivors’ journeys from abuse to safety and empowerment, illustrating how SAHARA’s services—including housing, case management, mental health support, and economic empowerment—transform lives. The performance ended with a message of hope, resilience, and community responsibility.
“Once again, SAHARA has earned the highest level that any nonprofit dreams of: the platinum seal from Candid, which only 20% of nonprofits receive,” said Executive Director Marisol Sanchez. “Domestic violence is not just a statistic. It’s a mother escaping with her children. It’s a teenager learning that love should never hurt. When we come together as a community, we are stronger than violence. Change starts with us.”
Other highlights included a former client sharing her story of transformation, a lighthearted presentation, ‘Man Vs Woman,’ by Manu and Rika Shah, and Tanya Momi’s story of survival and empowerment, which inspired the film ‘Designed by Preeti.’ SAHARA will host a private screening of the movie on October 5 at the Frida Theater in Santa Ana as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month initiatives.
Looking ahead, SAHARA plans to launch transitional housing for elder abuse survivors and expand culturally sensitive counseling services in 2026. “Too many of our seniors—those who raised us and sacrificed for us—face neglect, isolation, and abuse. Our goal is a responsive senior home where elders will not just survive but thrive,” said Board President Krutika Pranav.
Vibhuti Bhuta, Treasurer, and Kinnari Bhavsar, Vice President, thanked guests and invited them to enjoy dinner from Mantra and dancing to 3D Sounds.
Founded in 1991, SAHARA provides culturally sensitive support to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and elder abuse. For more information, visit www.saharacares.org.
