The contribution to Fulfill will have a significant impact on the welfare as it will provide 450,000 meals to people in need
Our Bureau
Edison, NJ
The Monmouth Ocean County Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (MOCAAPI) has donated $300,000 — $150,000 each for a food bank and an Indian Cultural Center in Toms River, making good on its pledge to help the community. MOCAPPI, which has been able to raise over $500,000 over the years through the annual charitable galas, popular golf outings, and other events, will continue to work for the betterment of society through its impactful donations.
“It was a long-time dream of MOCAAPI members to make an impactful donation which is being fulfilled today by making a $150,000 donation to Fulfill Food Bank of Monmouth Ocean Counties and $150,000 to the Indian Cultural & Community Center to build a much-needed Community Hall in Toms River,” MOCAAPI President Dr. Avinash Gupta said.
“With everyone’s participation, generosity, and thanks to our past presidents’ efforts, we have been able to raise over $ 500,000 over the years,” Gupta added.
The charitable contribution from MOCAPPI to Fulfill will have a significant impact on the welfare of community. The contribution to Fulfill will provide 450,000 meals to people in need.
Fulfill supplies food to nearly 300 feeding agencies across Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Prior to the pandemic Fulfill served 136,000 people including 50,000 children. Today Fulfill serves 215,000 people, 70,000 of which are children. Fulfill also provided meals for children after school and sends home food for children at risk through their Backpack program. Currently, Fulfill sends 1,000 backpacks of food with children at risk at the end of each week so they may continue to have nutritious food over the weekend.
Child hunger is projected to increase by approximately 75% in New Jersey due to the impact of the pandemic. Fulfill expects an increase in food insecurity in New Jersey this winter after rent and utility freezes end and federal unemployment insurance benefits expire.
MOCAAPI physicians volunteering at OCHD were presented with a proclamation from the NJ state senate and general assembly. It was awarded Healthcare Hero Award by the CMC Board of Trustees.
Fulfill’s new CEO and President Triada Stampas along with Fulfill’s Director of Development Linda Kellner attended the event. They were very appreciative of this incredibly generous gift! Ms. Stampas said this donation will provide 450,000 meals. They provide meals to 215,000 residents of Monmouth Ocean counties out of which 70,000 are children. They even pack meals in the backpacks of 1000 children to go.
Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy and Commissioner Virginia Haines praised the MOCAAPI doctors for their outstanding service to the community during the pandemic.
Dr. Bankim Shah, Mr. Pravin Parekh among several others from ICCC expressed their appreciation and said it will fulfill the need of the growing Indian community in the area. They greatly appreciated the leadership and generosity of Drs. Avinash and Geeta Gupta for a personal matching donation of $150,000 to the Indian Cultural and Community Center to build a community hall where children can learn about our culture and heritage, senior citizens can meet, carry out yoga, health care camps, motivational and life-skills classes, fundraising events and celebrate festivals together.
Dr. Avinash Gupta thanked his team of Officers, Executive Members, the Board of Trustees, and especially the past Presidents because of whom this was made possible.
MOCAAPI, a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization, was established in 2003. It continues to bring together all stakeholders in the healthcare space while supporting local charitable causes.
