Community Seva holds a successful 10th Anniversary “Tree of Life” fundraising Gala
Community Seva Inc., celebrated its 10th Anniversary Tree of Life gala on October 7, 2023 at the India Community Center in Milpitas. Over 440 attendees graced the occasion, and the organization raised a staggering amount of just over $410,000 via sponsorships, table purchases, pledges, and donations at the event.
Community Seva’s mission is to “Feed the Hungry and Serve the Homeless” in the Bay Area, and over the past 10 years, they have successfully served 9 cities in the Bay Area with 300,000+ meals to those in need, have provided over 2000 mobile showers, along with distributing 7,500 Thanksgiving meals, 10,000 sets of backpacks containing winter essentials such as socks, beanies, gloves, and more, 5000 hygiene kits, 900 pairs of shoes and 1000 mobile solar chargers.
The event began with a video introducing the 10 year journey of Community Seva Inc. It described in detail the growth from 1 volunteer to 3000 volunteers today, and showed many examples of how the organization focuses on the dignity and the need of the unhoused community, while providing a variety of services. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan made a surprise appearance and spoke about his family’s experience volunteering with Community Seva, and how he believes deeply both in addressing and alleviating the immediate suffering of an unhoused individual, while also finding lasting solutions to the larger problem of homelessness.
This was followed by a keynote address delivered by Mr. Robert Egger, an American nonprofit leader, author, speaker and activist. Mr. Egger founded the DC Central Kitchen, the Campus Kitchen Project, and the L.A. Kitchen, and is a Founding Board Member of The World Central Kitchen with Jose Andres. Mr. Egger spoke about his unexpected path into public service, he emphasized how community service benefits the giver more than it does the recipient, and he endorsed the vision and mission of Community Seva. The audience was captivated by his deeply inspiring speech.
Mr. Nathan Ganeshan, Founder & President of Community Seva made a quick presentation on the financial growth for the past decade, and shared the future five year goals of the organization namely, building their own kitchen, purchasing a shower/laundry-on-wheels, creating a fund to provide short term temporary housing to those in critical need, and providing educational support to unhoused students. He emphasized that the most critical need of the hour was the central kitchen, which would allow the organization to provide more meals, include more volunteers in service, and expand to different counties in need in the Bay Area.
Several elected officials including representatives from Ro Khanna’s office (Congressman from District 17), State Senator Dave Cortese and his wife Pattie Cortese, Assembly Member Alex Lee, Assembly Member Ash Kalra, County Supervisor Sylvia Arenas, representative from Supervisor Otto Lee, San Jose City Council Member Pam Foley, and San Jose City Council Member Domingo Candelas, attended the event and presented their commendations to Community Seva.
Gail Osmer, and Shaunn Cartwright, both hard working, driven, and passionate unhoused advocates were presented Community Seva’s ‘Tree of Life’ award for their unstinting service to the unhoused individuals living on the streets and in encampments. Core team member & volunteer Saras Venkatram was awarded with a special Founder’s award for “going above & beyond” in providing dedicated service to the organization for the past decade.
A sumptuous plated dinner and dessert was provided by Jalsa Catering. The cocktail and networking hour had entertainment by Timo Gutierrez, and an exciting array of silent auction items. The dinner was accompanied by a rollicking comedy routine provided by Bldg 18 Comedy Club. The evening ended with melodious tunes by IyerWaltz and team, that had the audience up and dancing until late night.
Those who wish to learn more about Community Seva should visit: communityseva.org
Media enquiries: media@communityseva.org
PHOTOS:
Photo booth clicks: https://photos.app.goo.gl/GzNUXkA3utToXDyy9
Pictures : https://photos.app.goo.gl/P12h3wq6SkLmhaxX9
PRESS:
https://indiapost.com/community-seva-10th-annual-fundraiser-at-icc/
