Annual Banquet 2012
Dec. 08, 2012
This year’s banquet was yet another memorable event. 350 adults purchased tickets and we had 143 teenagers and children registered for the banquet. Beautiful banquet invitations (thanks to the Parmar family) were distributed well in advance. A dynamic emcee Sridhar Karra (CHYK member) hosted the event and certainly made a big difference in the banquet’s success. Not only did he introduce the various performing acts, but he also set the tone of the banquet hall with his enthusiastic attitude to get the crowd excited and engaged. This banquet hall was transformed by recent renovations and the décor of Alpa Patel. We were treated to wonderful performances by Balavihar children (thanks to their teachers & parents) in the newly renovated hall of Chinmaya Chitrakoot. 61 Balavihar children performed in the cultural programs and chanting. An awesome and inspiring talk by Swamiji that set the tone for the evening. Our President’s talk motivated people to open up wallets and check-books! A unique highlight this year was the family portrait photos thanks to Venkat Rallapalli. Excellent food, served in abundance by the food team fulfilled everybody’s appetite. The child-care team and their incredible patience and dedication kept the children well entertained throughout the evening.
During this annual fundraiser we raised $76K in cash donations plus $59K in pledges for a total of $135K. Jaya Uruma’s painting of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda ji went to the highest bidder for $500. We had 106 different donors and 18 new Parivar memberships.
Thanks to all members who diligently invited guests to their tables and sold tickets even a few hours before the banquet and the tireless youth, CHYK and adult volunteers from CMDFW along with the banquet planning team, who made magic happen, once again!
