Akshaya Patra, USA held its Boston Gala - 7th Annual Boston Benefit Event on March 29, 2014 at Cambridge, Massachusetts.  The organization raised nearly $600,000 to support the midday meals programs at government and government-assisted schools. 

Comedian Abhishek Shah took the stage and regaled the audience with some amusing Indian American jokes. He served as the MCEE for the evening. The formal portion of the event commenced with a speech by US Congressman Joseph Kennedy III (D-MA) of Massachusetts 4th Congressional District.   "Akshaya Patra is a model of cooperation and scale that you have accomplished and demonstrated.It is better than any other model in the world," said Representative Kennedy.

Emily Rosenbaum, Chief Executiver Officer of The Akshaya Patra Foundation, talked about her own experience of traveling to India and about the important things one should know about the Akshaya Patra. She gave the touching example of a young child lovingly giving her a gift of plastic earrings that she chose to wear to the event. 

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Dr. Manju Sheth who writes the India New England Series “Chai with Manju” interviewed Nina Davuluri. Nina was a huge hit with the attendees. Her poise and intelligent answers made her a great representative of the Indian American community.

Philanthropist 'Desh' Deshpande, Board Chairman, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, USA gave the welcome address and led the fundraising event. The event also staged a performance by Triveni School of Dance - Neena Gulati.

The event raised nearly $600,000 which will be used to feed the children participating in the Akshaya Patra program.