Newsletter - February 2013

Archana 2013 - Save the date

IFA's 19th annual fundraiser--a musical, theatrical and cultural program--will be held on Saturday, April 27th, 2013 at Fred Kavli Theater, Civic Arts Plaza, Thousand Oaks, Seating : 4:30pm, Curtain: 5:00pm Theme for this year is "The Poverty of Affluence"

You can join Archana planning efforts! We are hosting a 'Archana 2013 Kick-off' meeting at the Simi Valley Library on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 2:30pm. Feel free to invite friends who may be interested and RSVP by clicking here so we can ensure enough food for all.

Archana 2013 Kick-off Meeting

Small Ideas, Big Impact

IFA members have come up with innovative ideas to raise funds for IFA and support the change towards the development of India. Below are a few examples:

Archana Bazaar: IFA Sewaks came up with the idea about 3 years ago to raise funds through sale of items at a booth in Archana. Members donated gently used Indian items that they no longer needed or recently brought with them from India. Members also purchased/collected these items during their visit to india. Funds raised - Over $800. Sale of Potted Succulents: Dr. Praveena Somani, a busy internist, has a wonderful collection of potted plants. Anita Bajaj appreciated her hobby and skill and asked Dr. Somani if she could make some potted plants to sell at an IFA booth to raise funds. Dr. Somani was glad to help. In fact, she and her husband went a step further. They had a wine and cheese event at their house before Archana and their friends had the opportunity to preview and buy the beautiful potted succulents. All the plants were from her own backyard. Funds raised - Over $1800. Private fund raising events: Dr. Nitin and Rekha Nanda, moved by the Archana video clips, felt the need to help in addition to their own donations. They requested all the guests invited to a party at their house to donate money to IFA instead of wine, gifts or flowers. The task of counting the money was given to the children, which was very exciting to them and also helped raise awareness. Funds raised Over $600. Marathon: IFA-YP came up with the Idea to raise funds by participating in the Long Beach Marathon. Nitin Sonawane spearheaded the effort and motivated people. In 2011, the IFA-YP team raised over $8000. In 2012, the participants more than doubled and over $20,000 was raised! Apart from the funds, the activity helped tremendously in spreading awareness to an extent that people from Chicago to Australia were participating in local marathons representing IFA. Funds raised Over $20,000. If you have a story or an idea please share it here.

IFA Fellowship Spotlight

Times Now recently held the Amazing Indians Awards honoring 20 citizens devoted to uplifting Indian society. TWO recipients are IFA Fellows! Gyarsibai Sahariya was named "Grassroots Soldier" for her work with Sankalp and Sachidanand Bharti was named as "Eco Saviour" for his work with the Watershed Uttarakhand project. Click HERE to view video from the night's ceremonies. YOUR support and donations help fund their work and the work of others who are improving Indian society on a daily basis.

Sound Off!
This year's Archana theme is "The Poverty of Affluence". Please share with us your thoughts on what that theme means to you and we'll post members' comments in future issues of the IFA Newsletter. Email your thoughts to info@indiafriendsassociation.com

Community Spotlight
In light of recent atrocities and acts of violence against women, there is a way each of us can take a stand. Citizens in over 190 countries are taking part in local events on Feb. 14 as part of the One Billion Rising campaign demanding an end to domestic abuse. You can learn more; hear from women like Anoushka Shankar, Dr. Vandana Shiva, Sajitha R. Shankhar; and find an event near you at www.onebillionrising.org

About IFA
IFA is a non-profit organization supporting grassroots development all across India. Read more about IFA For participation in IFA Young Professional monthly meetings, please contact Nitin Sonawane.

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