The Big Help Pongal fundraiser held at the Walpole High School in Walpole MA on January 10 , 2009 helped raise over $10 K to support education for underprivileged children in India. The event featured competitions for children, a wonderful cultural show and a free dinner for all participants.

"It has been wonderful to be part of this organization" says Sandhya Bommaraju, the volunteer who helped coordinate the Spelling Bee. She remarked at the very high level of the spelling bee. "The children took this very seriously and really pushed the limits" says Bommaraji  who also runs a Shloka class.  Her students performed at the function.

In addition to spelling bee there was also coloring contest, art contest and rangoli contest. Over 200 kids participated in the contests..A list of contest winners may be found here.

Chand Pasha, the power behind this organization started Big Help with a mission  to uplift the underprivileged children in India through education while creating a transparent organization that ensures that each dollar actually goes to the needy. He put in place several auditing mechanism and gathered a core group of volunteers both in India and the US to deliver on the promise to give each dollar to a child who is in need and make sure that it is used for education.

Vijay Panchakshari who was recognized as the volunteer of the year by Pasha
has been giving a significant amount of time to maintain the website which is used for disseminating information and gathering donations. "When Chand Pasha suggested we start this organization I was wondering how this actually will happen. I am so amazed at what we have accomplished so far. We are able to raise enough money to support nearly 8 -9000 children each year" says Panchakshari.

"Many companies have included us in their matching funds donation program. My company state street is in that category and this year we raised nearly $ 5000 through that program" said Lakshma Poreddy.

"Volunteers are at the heart of our organization. We are very open to providing support to any region in India. Our only expectation is that we can implement our rules of transparency and auditing to the group we support. Volunteers often bring our attention to people in need in their hometown and the foundation is happy to support them" says Chand Pasha.

While at this fundraiser the dinner was provided by many volunteers in the past Hamira Pasha often cooked single handedly for the group.

While helping the needy the event also serves as forum for the children from the commuity to present their artistic talent.  Over 150 kids participated in the showcase. The program list may be found here.Whether it was a classy Kuchipudi presentation by an established artist, a Bharatnatyam dance by
a talented youngster or just some cool moves by tiny tots "in style" the cultural event served as wonderful artistic showcase.

"Each year we eagerly forward to this event. We are helping a good cause while at the same having a good time" said Gopal Rajanala whose children Susanth presented dance items

 The funds raised in this event will be used for sponsoring the education of 25 new children, adopt 2 new schools, setup 3 new merit awards and help at least 2 Special Needs schools in India. A great way to begin the year!

|