It was a historic day for Saheli. Friday, October 15, 2010 Saheli hosted its biggest fundraiser in fifteen years with the event sold out a week in advance! Attended by over 400 guests, there was an array of auction items donated by area businesses and individuals, entertainment by comedian Dan Nainan, dancing to the music provided by DJ Yogz, food sponsored by Bollywood Grill, and a performance that captured the evolution of Bollywood dance by Vividha School of Dance.


The fundraiser co chairs, Niru Bhatia and Dr Manju Sheth were instrumental in guiding the committee of 12 members through the planning which began in early May. The hard work paid off and we received an overwhelming support for Saheli. Guests generously pledged financial contributions to support Saheli’s work, raising unprecedented funds estimated at $85,000 of which 95% is earmarked for Saheli’s direct services to the South Asian community.

Guests who contributed generously to support the great cause were treated to a fabulous evening of entertainment. Whether it was the fabulous entertainment, the auction, the cute goodie bags or the fabulous DJ music that kept people dancing for a good part of the evening, the guests had a fabulous time.


Saheli, a community based non profit, works with South Asian families throughout MA and NH. This year, a women’s group that meets once a month at the Shrewsbury public library was initiated to reach the growing South Asian population in the Worcester County.  

Saheli’s services include ESL, computer and financial literacy classes, educational workshops on immigration and legal issues, awareness of access to health care and health issues that affect our lives. Saheli also works collaboratively with the Burlington Senior Center to keep seniors mentally and physically active everyday.

With additional funds, Saheli will strengthen its key service area; providing one on one support to victims of domestic violence, access to emergency shelter, accompanying clients to court, and connecting clients to lawyers and mental health service providers.

A new giving initiative founded by Mr Rakesh Kamdar called "Friends of Saheli", recognizes donors on Saheli’s website as a long term philanthropist, compared to a one time donor through a financial commitment to Saheli of only $20 per month for 12 months, for a total of $240 for the year. To sign up, please visit our website www.saheliboston.org and follow the link to "Donate Now".

We would like to thank our supporters who have come together to serve Saheli’s mission to keep families safe and healthy in the United States. The generosity and commitment from the community has moved Saheli to a broader level of service. We now ask more of ourselves to help those in need. For further details, please contact us at 1-866-472-4352, sahelihelp@gmail.com or drmanjusheth@gmail.com.

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