Anna and Raj Asava are Champions In the Fight Against Hunger in their Local Community! Hailing from India, Plano residents Aradhana (Anna) and Raj Asava are first generation immigeants to the USA. Both are grateful for their roots and. shared values of integrity and empathy that come from their upbringing in India, and the couple is especially grateful for the soaring opportunities they received in the US, their adopted. land. After long, successful careers, the Asavas decided to “retire” 7 years ago to focus on personal interests: philanthropy, travel, and time with family and friends. Having been involved in several charitable organizations that addressed issues facing developing countries, Anna and Raj remember being taken aback ‘when they heard about hunger in North Texas. As they learned -more about the work of the North. ‘Teams Food Bank, they became ‘more increasingly aware of the size and seriousness of the issue. “twas hard to accept hunger, right here in our neighborhoods,” said Raj. “Tt was 1 shock, but once we learned that hunger existed in this region, we Knew wo had to get involved.” ‘Theft order of business was to support NTFB's Pon! 4 Kids backpack program in Plano at the behest of Mano Mayor Harry Lakostere Then Anna joined the Philanthropy Counal of NI Inspired to do even more, the dynamic couple collaborated and launched NTFB's Indo. ‘American Council — which represents caring community committed to raising food tnd funds that benetit hungry Children, seniors and fares across NTF 1-countes “Tt was hard to accept hunger, right here in our neighborhoods” ‘The Council aims to mobi the vibrant Indo-American community to actively volunteer and raise food and funds for NTFB. With a slogan of “Hunger Mitao” (Wipe-out Hunger), and a recent donation of $100,000 to the North Texas Food Bank from Raj and Anna, this group is well on its way to providing one million meals in their first year. “This is just the beginning,” said Anna, “We want to get the Indo-American community ‘more involved with the Food Bank and build a groundswell of support. We know that the issue of hunger is critical and that our community can rally together to make a difference.” Ata Council launch event on September 28, several Indo- “American community leaders stepped up and pledged their support to ths initiative. Reflecting on the issue of hunger in our neighborhoods, Raj recalled a line his grandfather used to say, “How can you ‘eat knowing your neighbor is hungry?” a concept that has, stayed with him over the years. To learn more about the NTFB Indo-American Council please visitntthorg/iac