Cancer Institute (WIA) Foundation, Inc is a US Non-Profit Organization, 501(C) (3), 100% affiliated with Cancer Institute, Adyar, Chennai - India. CIF hosted its Boston Chapter’s Annual Fundraiser “Geethanjali” on June 16, 2018 at Trottier Middle School Auditorium, Southborough, MA. It was an sold out event with 450+ attendees.

This event was entirely a tribute to late Smt.Geetha Murali, award-winning Carnatic Vocalist and teacher in Massachusetts. She had lost her life battle to Cancer in her mid-40’s. She had supported Cancer Institute Foundation’s First Fundraiser in Boston.  Smt.Aparna Balaji, an amazing New England Vocalist and wonderful teacher has taken the lead with CIF to make this event memorable and a real tribute for Smt.Geetha Murali by co-ordinating this music program with all music teachers in the New England Area.

This year's event marks the 4th annual fundraiser for the Boston Chapter. The event started at 3:00 pm with the welcome speech by the one and only core volunteer who had brought CIF to Boston - Smt.Sree Ranjani Prabhu Shankar. Followed by the speech, the group bhajan was conducted by Sri Sathya Sai Group.  Followed by the bhajan was the students music performance by Smt.Rasika Murali, Smt.Aparna Balaji, Smt.Prashanti Punnamaraju, Sri.Pravin Sitaram, Smt.Durga Krishnan, Smt.Valli Amaravadi and Smt.Shuchita Rao. Smt.Rasika Murali gave the finale which was the real tribute to her mother for the fundraiser. 

15 accomplished musicians with 85 students came together to pay their tribute to Smt.Geetha Murali. It was emotional for many of her close friends and as well for new comers for the event.

Our respected Guest of Honor for the event was Dr.Venu Bathini and Mr.Murali Iyer. 

Dr.Venu Bathini is an Assistant Professor at UMass Medical School and UMass Memorial Medical Center. He is the director of the Hematology Oncology Fellowship Training Program. 

Mr.Murali Iyer is Smt.Geetha Murali’s Husband, Vice President of State Street Corporation. Murali is a person - full of positivity, his speech really enthralled the audience. 

Our respected Master of Ceremonies for the event was Smt.Ranjani Saigal who is the director of Easter Rhythms Dance School, Burlington and serves as the executive director of the Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of USA. She is very popular in Boston and attends almost all events happening in New England.

Every dollar raised in this event will be dedicated to Cancer Screening Centers in all districts of Tamil Nadu for early detection, provide easy access to preventive care who cannot afford to travel to Chennai for diagnosis. First Center was already opened in Pudukottai, next center is expected to be in Thoothukudi.

CIF is all about volunteers. Event was successful because of the hard work and wonderful planning by volunteers in different groups - Logistics, Decoration, Food & Snacks Co-Ordination, Sponsorship, Photo & Videography etc. CIF thanks all Food, Snacks Sponsors from different restaurants and homes. SVTM Jewelery had donated some silver articles which were used as token of appreciation for the money donated by generous people. 

CIF appreciates the vendors for the event and their continuous support in making this annual event a success.

All ends well, the event ended with the vote of thanks from another core volunteer - Smt.Kalyani Dhandapani. CIF is looking forward for an another successful, annual fundraiser! 

Go CIF!

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