When Saheli, the woman’s support group will hold its first fundraiser on Oct 15^th, Dr. Manju Sheth &Niru Bhatia, will be right behind it, making sure the event gets it support from the community and become a success. As Co-Chairs for the event, both have a shared passion for Community Service .They are also very good friends &live in same town and have worked together  in the past for other organizations.

Manju Sheth is an Internist in Lynnfield with a practice based primarily on Women’s heath.She is also very passionate about women’s causes and works with several local women’s organizations like the Indian Women Doctors Forum and on Executive committee of local Organizations’ including IMANE &IAFPE . On her role she says, “I bring to Saheli my passion, experience of having worked on other fundraisers & also ability to reach out to various organizations and increase awareness of Saheli. Niru Bhatia is the owner of Platinum insurance agency and is also involved with many local organizations. She is also chair of Boston chapter of Akshya Patra.

Can you give us a brief overview of SAHELI and the upcoming event you have planned for Oct. 15th?

Saheli is entering it's 15th year of service to the South Asian community here in the Boston area.  This alone speaks volumes about their work and the need for such services.  This year so far they have around 60 cases of women, men and children who have been helped by Saheli.  These cases are handled mostly by trained volunteers to help them stay safe and healthy in their home environments.   

On October 15th, Saheli is hosting their inaugural fundraising gala at the Westin Hotel in Waltham.  The evening will consist of dinner catered by Bollywood Grill, comedy by Danny Nainan, a dance performance by The Vividha School of Dance, dancing to bollywood music cranked out by DJ Yogz, and a silent auction with items such as vacation getaways, wine baskets, designer clothing, handbag, and  jewelry.  All guests will be treated to parting goody bags with commemorative Diwali gifts.  We promise this will be an evening you will not forget. 

With the proceeds from this fundraiser, Saheli plans to increase the number of trained advocates qualified to help victims of abuse.  Saheli also plans to expand their current economic empowerment program to include financial literacy for women and seniors in our community.  Our organization is hoping to raise enough funds so that we can obtain a permanent office location for Saheli. 

How can the community get more involved with Saheli?

Saheli needs more volunteers to assist with the increasing number of cases each month.  Volunteer services include lawyers, mental and physical health providers, educators, and advocates who can provide one on one support to those who approach us for help.  Saheli also needs volunteers to assist with outreach development in the communities that are more isolated and to help raise funds to ensure the day to day workings of the organization. 

Why is it so important so support local organizations like Saheli?

There is so much going on in todays world with natural disasters, homelessness, famine -we are reminded of them on a daily basis via the television, radio, internet.  Living in this great country of ours, not a single person has to go without food or shelter.  We get instant relief from the government for natural disasters.  We often tend to overlook our own surroundings.  Nothing can be more fulfilling than supporting a local organization where services are provided directly to people in need.  You can actually see for yourself the effects of your contribution to a local organization such as Saheli.  The person benefitting may be your neighbor, your best friend, or the family you meet on a weekly basis at the temple.  Your time and monetary contribution is instantly working directly around you.

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