Vibha's Gala Fundraiser Raises $51,528 For A Foundational English Learning Program 

Vibha, a prominent nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming lives through High-Quality Public Education, successfully hosted an evening gala fundraiser, raising an impressive $51,528 towards their foundational English learning program. The event, held at Westford Regency on Friday, Dec 8th 2023, was graced by the presence of the esteemed Guest of Honor, Mr. Sonu Sood, a renowned humanitarian and a well-known actor.

Vibha aims to enable High-Quality Public Education for Every Child. Vibha strives to create a brighter future for those in need through partnership with the state governments in India to implement foundational English, math, local language, and student motivation programs.

The Gala evening started with an electrifying speech by Mr. Sood, emphasizing the importance of giving back, making this world a better place, and the profound impact education has on shaping children's future. Another focal point of the evening, as  Vibha CEO Ashwini Kumar, shared, was the real-life stories of children she remembers when she looks at a loaf of bread or a bag of rice. She put it in plain but powerful words: Education is the only tool to break the intergenerational poverty cycle. Their words moved attendees, inspiring a collective commitment to supporting Vibha's mission.

Since its inception in 1991, Vibha has positively impacted over 3 million children and aims to reach 10 million in the next decade. Focused on improving learning levels in government schools in India, Vibha aims at children aged 5 to 10, ensuring they develop fundamental skills in reading, writing, and basic math. In the 2022-23 school year alone, Vibha has reached 600,000 children. In the face of a growing population, economic disparities, and 97 million children in poverty attending government schools, Vibha acts as a unifying force, collaborating with diverse stakeholders to address this urgent and expanding challenge. By replicating proven solutions, Vibha seeks to scale its impact and provide crucial support to children, fostering a brighter future.

Vibha Boston felicitated Cheryl Yaffe Kiser with a lifetime achievement award for her contributions to the field of Education presented by the Guest of honor Sonu Sood and Vibha CEO Ashwini Kumar. Cheryl is the founding executive director of the Institute for Social Innovation, which amplifies Babson college’s mission to educate entrepreneurial leaders to simultaneously create social and economic value. 

The gala also honored the outstanding contributions of organizations such as Setu, an English theater group; Hindi Manch, one of the largest Non-Profit Hindi Organizations in the USA; and Women Who Win, a nonprofit organization of vibrant community where empowerment meets achievement, presenting them with well-deserved awards for their commitment to social impact. 

The gala evening unfolded a rich tapestry of cultural elements, including mesmerizing dance performances by Ekta Dance Academy and Dancing Divas by Pooja Tiwari and a dazzling fashion show by Mukta Productions & Mohikas showcasing the diversity and vibrancy of the community. 

"We are thrilled by the overwhelming success of our gala fundraiser, which brought the community together and raised crucial funds for our Foundational English learning program," said Sumana Hatwar, Executive Director of Vibha Boston. "The generosity of our supporters, combined with the inspiring presence of Mr. Sonu Sood and the recognition of exemplary organizations, reinforces our commitment to making a lasting impact on education." 

Vibha CEO Ashwini Kumar shared, “We are a team of 1000+ volunteers and a 15-member operations staff in India. Most of what we raise goes towards programs. Our goal is to impact 10M children in the next 10 years.”

Vibha extends its deepest gratitude to all donors, sponsors, volunteers, and partners who contributed to the gala's success. The funds raised will go towards empowering young minds through the foundational English learning program, creating a positive ripple effect in the lives of countless children.

For more information about Vibha and its initiatives, please visit vibha.org.

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