As they ate, watched talented musicians and dancers, and mingled at Skylight SoHo, a modern loft-like space, over 500 supporters of Sakhi for South Asian Women’s mission to end violence against women ushered in a new kind of gala this past Saturday at Sakhi’s 6th Annual benefit, StreetSmARTs.
 
The evening featured a special award for women’s rights activist Mukhtaran Mai whose courage to rise against abuse and educate her home community in Pakistan has been lauded world-wide. Sophia Aslam, Sakhi member and an inspiring example of survival herself, honored Mukhtar Bibi with the Sakhi StreetSmARTs award. “Because of your bravery, other women will have the courage to speak up for themselves,” Aslam noted.
 
The evening included a diverse lineup of performers such as Kathak dancer Parul Shah, Indian classical and rock fusion bands Falu and Kaash, and a capoeira performance by the Capoeira Center of New York. Parul Shah dedicated her piece to ancient Indian courtesans. They were never seen as artists, she said, and their art form was neither recognized nor appreciated. “I felt this piece fit in nicely with this evening’s purpose,” Shah observed.  
 
Amita Rodman, Event Co-Chair, who helped forge the avant-garde approach and design of the benefit said the idea behind minimal seating was to encourage guests to explore the space, mingle, and connect with each other. Guests could enjoy performers on stage at one end of the room, travel to various food stations, sit down and enjoy drinks at an elongated bar in the hall, or go to the other end of the space to relax and watch a Sakhi film on its work to end violence by transforming individuals, communities, and institutions.
 
“Sakhi's 2007 gala has set a whole new standard in combining FUN with FUNdraising!,” commented guest Annetta Seecharran, Executive Director of South Asian Youth Action!. “In addition to raising funds for important causes, galas create social capital and give members of our community a reason to come together, have a great time and connect with each other for a common cause – Sakhi accomplished that this Saturday.”
 
Through corporate and individual sponsorships, ticket and auction sales, as well as donations, Sakhi raised more than $550,000. These funds make possible Sakhi’s programs to support survivors of abuse, engage communities through innovative outreach and media work, and improve institutions through policy advocacy. Sakhi has already responded to 198 new requests for support in the first quarter of 2007. As the organization continues to serve survivors, these monies will help Sakhi to build its community action campaign in Richmond Hill, Queens and further its work to ensure language access in the courts. Sakhi’s decade-long hard work paid off just two days before the gala, as the Office of Court Administration announced on May 2 that it is developing a court rule to codify the right to an interpreter in New York State.
 
“We are heartened to see all the ways in which Sakhi is making a difference in our communities – with individual women as well as the ability of immigrants to access justice. Our gala not only provides the vital funds we need in order to keep having an impact but also gives us a chance to celebrate our victories,” indicated Sakhi’s Executive Director Purvi Shah. “The work we do is often frustrating, exhausting, and difficult but on this night we share the joy of being part of a strong community!”

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