IMANE Fund-Raiser to help local groups AASRA, ISW, improve Hope clinic in MASS.

Savla WALTHAM, Mass.- The Indian Medical Association of New England is stepping up its charitable activities with a charity gala on July 16 at the Carling-Sorenson Center for the Arts in Babson College.

The event, which will include a dinner and variety entertainment, is raising funds to support an IMANE-run clinic, the New Hope Clinic in Waltham, Mass. In addition, it will support partnering associations such as the Asian American Support and Resource Agency and the India Society of Worcester. Individual tickets are available for $75, a gold sponsorship for $250, and platinum and diamond sponsorships for $500 and $1,000 respectively.

"IMANE has been giving to society in a number of ways, but this is the first time we are trying a charitable event on such a large scale," said Dr. Lalit Savla, president of IMANE. The beneficiaries of the event were decided upon by a selection process, and AASRA president Anu Bandopadhyay presented her organization's mission before IMANE members. "Domestic violence and physical abuse happens here, and not only with married women coming here. It seemed like an important issue to support," said Savla, of IMANE's decision. Though there is no specific attendance target, Savla said they would like to get as many people in as possible. The venue can seat around 400 people. AASRA is helping IMANE out in organizing the event. "We are glad to provide any kind of assistance to IMANE, as we have experience in event management," said Bandopadhyay.

Local artists will provide the cultural entertainment at the event. Singer Tapas Ghosh will perform at the event, along with classical dances by youth and rap performances by high school boys. IMANE is trying to raise funds for three of its goals - to improve the physical structure of the Hope Clinic that it operates out of a church in Waltham, to establish a clinic in the AASRA premises and to establish a permanent health clinic under the auspices of ISW. "We're trying to get our members to donate their time and services to these charitable institutions," said Dr. Purnima Sangal, president-elect of IMANE. Some of the more specific goals are to better the New Hope Clinic in Waltham, by setting up new equipment and furniture.

"We basically want to provide to the community whatever we can, and have been helping out in medical camps and the like," Sangal said. "Now we want to take it to the next level." "We're more than happy, and it's a bigger win for our clients," said Bandopadhyay, who is helping IMANE with organizing and publicizing the event. AASRA will use the funds generated, for client services and for education and awareness about issues faced by South Asian women. The preliminary estimate for improvements to the Hope Clinic is around $50,000 and Savla said the gala is just the beginning. "We have to sustain the fund-raising, and we will plan something every year," he said. Ultimately, IMANE plans to expand its services to India as well. IMANE has around 250 members and was established in 1978.

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