Raksha fundraiser sold out, exemplary individuals recognized
Headliner Rajiv Satyal's stand-up comedy was well received by the audience, whose laughter and joy will help sustain us in the coming year. (All photos: Photography by Vinod)
Raksha Inc.'s Annual Fundraiser, Ek Shaam Raksha Ke Naam was completely sold out this year. The event took place on December 2, 2016 at the Gathering Spot, an exclusive new social club in Atlanta. Headliner Rajiv Satyal's stand-up comedy was well received by the audience, whose laughter and joy will help sustain us in the coming year. Raksha was proud to recognize at this year's gala the following community members and allies who exemplify the values that drive Raksha's work in the community:
ASHER BURK: Himmat (Courage) Award
Raksha was proud to honor Asher Burk of the Women's Resource Center for years of unwavering dedication, support, and tireless advocacy for survivors of domestic violence. Mr. Burk's expertise is crucial in helping Raksha clients navigate the criminal and civil justice system, especially in DeKalb County. He works to ensure that immigrant survivors understand their rights and have culturally responsive services. His ability to build rapport with survivors and learn about their specific needs and barriers makes him an invaluable partner.
JAYMEN CHAVDA: The Seeds of Change Award
Raksha was proud to honor Mr. Jaymen Chavda (on the right) of the Chugh Firm for years of unwavering dedication, support, and tireless advocacy for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Jaymen has helped plant the seeds to ensure that Raksha has access to more civil legal assistance. Whether it is providing low bono or pro bono services, Jaymen works with Raksha to ensure that our clients can address divorce, child custody, child support, and other legal matters. He has worked to increase the number of cases the Chugh Firm takes on and is always willing to respond to answer questions from Raksha staff.
KEYUR PATEL: 2016 Ramesh and Vijaya Bakshi Community Change Award
Mr. Keyur Patel (center, between Raksha's Director Aparna Bhattacharyya and Mrs. Vijaya Bakshi) was honored for his outstanding and dedicated volunteer service at the Clarkston Community Health Center (CCHC) and help to the refugee population in the Clarkston Community. Clarkston has one of the biggest refugee resettlement areas in the United States and is home to asylum-seekers from all over the world. Patients at CCHC are all uninsured with a variety of medical problems, ranging from acute to uncontrolled and chronic. The CCHC was founded in 2013 as a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization and started operations in 2015 with a mission to provide affordable, accessible, and linguistically sensitive primary care and preventive services to the Clarkston community and surrounding areas.
MEENAKSHI CHUGH: 2016 Ramesh and Vijaya Bakshi Community Change Award
Meenakshi Chugh (at left, with Raksha's Director Aparna Bhattacharyya) was honored for her action to mobilize for a friend in a difficult situation. Upon learning of the situation, she mobilized friends and neighbors to help this friend and create a support network to help provide emotional support, food, transportation to doctor’s visits, and more, organizing over 270 friends and neighbors to action.
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