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Home of Hope rekindling the hope in the life of disadvantaged children

By Archana Ravinder

San Jose, CA: The spirit of giving back to the community, the selfless devotion and commitment to help the under-privileged children has inspired a dedicated bunch of volunteers from the Home of Hope, Inc. (HOH) to reach out to these children and to make a difference in their lives. The 6th Annual Fundraiser organized by Home of Hope, Inc. on October 11th, 2003, reaffirmed their allegiance to this cause. Attended by a large gathering of almost 850 people, who's who of the Indo-American community here in the Bay Area, the fundraiser went onto show the huge support that the non-profit has been able to garner from the masses.

"This is a true calling from the Higher Power!" says Dr. Nilima Sabharwal, Founder of HOH, Dr. Sabharwal, a physician in the SFO Bay Area adds, " I consider myself an employee of the higher power and try to follow "HIS" principle (Humility, Integrity and Sincerity). What started out with helping one orphan in one orphanage in Chennai has grown into such a movement," she said ecstatically.

The attendees at the fundraiser were treated to an evening of fine dining and entertainment. With lilting music from yesteryears to some of the recent hits, the artists Vikas Singh, father and daughter duo of Anil and Tania Gupta mesmerized the audience with their melodious voices. Another spectacular performance was by Tap Dance artist Namita Kapoor. Also on auction at the fundraiser was an artwork by Namita Kapoor.

HOH is currently running 10 projects in India focusing on improving and providing better sanitary living conditions, quality educational services, basic medical services, basic nutritional programs, vocational training and psychological counseling. "Our goal is to make these children self sustaining citizens of tomorrow. We are committed for life. We will do what it takes. Our main focus is education and top priority is given to Computer Knowledge. The vocational training provides classes on sewing, candle making, carpentry etc."

Dr. Sabharwal says, " I am always meeting wonderful people who want to help and donate their services to HOH. I believe there is goodness in every one and the organization brings out the good side of people." The goal for HOH was of $100,000 and the organization has already collected funds to the tune of $103,000, which would enable them to fund the 10 projects that are currently running as well as several micro projects which range from buying a sewing machine to fridge, computers etc. The gross proceeds this year amounts to $70000 with 12 corporate sponsorships. The fundraiser raked in 85 pledges totaling to 22000.

Assemblyman Manny Dias, presented the organization with a proclamation from the California State Legislature and congratulated all the volunteers of HOH on the commendable work that they are doing. Dr. Nilima Sabharwal when addressing the audience said, "The entire work was brilliantly coordinated by a dedicated group of volunteers." She went onto thank, the board members, Anil Lal for being the muscle and brains behind HOH, Anoop Judge, Shanti Mathan, Sanjeev Singh, Dolly Dham, Shilpe Minocha, Karishma Chandani, Isaac Hussain, Rekha Gupta, Amritha Sethi, Dr Nalini Bhat and WebMaster Rajesh Relan and the committee members, Nandini Saraiya, Savitha Biyani, Neelan Bhavani, Barbara Singh, Betsy Matson, Yasmin Behl, Gita Patel, Vikas Singh, Namita Kapoor. "Home of Hope is also reaching to the kids in the Bay Area who all want to participate. Children like Nidhi Bhat, Neha Bhat, Sonia Sabharwal, who donated their birthdays and graduation parties for HOH, are true role models. Asha Kalra raised money in her high school as well. It is important to recognize these kids because they will keep the legacy of HOH alive and hopefully encourage other kids to join this movement."

Dr. Sabharwal added, on how one can be a part of the project, "Home of Hope is a project which appeals to the masses. One can be a part of HOH by donating 10$ a month (120$ a year) and fund specific programs in each project or can also be part of many co-programs within each project." For more information on Home of Hope, Inc. call Dr. Nilima Sabharwal at (650) 574-0374, OR (408) 972-7301 or visit www.hohinc.org