Our Bureau
San Fransisco, CL
The American India Foundation (AIF) Bay Area Chapter raised a record-breaking $2.2 million, the highest amount raised in the history of AIF’s Bay Area galas, at its annual gala held at the iconic San Francisco City Hall. In 2022, AIF raised US$2.1 million during its Bay Area Gala to support its charity in India. The American India Foundation (AIF) is dedicated to improving the lives of India’s underprivileged with a special focus on women, children and youth.
‘Designing Bold Futures’ was the theme for a sold-out crowd of over 320 guests. The evening celebrated the organization’s achievements over the last 22 years, according to a media release. The evening highlighted the Foundation’s success in providing digital pedagogy in STEM education for millions of students in thousands of government schools across India.
It also highlighted AIF’s ground-breaking initiative to create green jobs for women by leveraging technology skills training not only to address climate change, but to create new livelihood opportunities at scale over the coming years.
The event also honored Raj Mathai, the NBC Bay Area news anchor for his outstanding contributions in broadcasting. Vivek Ranadivé, owner and chairman of the Sacramento Kings chaired the gala with AIF’s California Board co-chaired by Riaz Taplin and Sumir Chadha.
In keeping with the Bay Area’s culture of innovation and bold thinking around leveraging technology to create positive outcomes, the evening spotlighted the success and impact of AIF’s Digital Equalizer (DE) program across India—especially with girls—in government-run middle and high schools, transforming students’ STEM skills, confidence, and determination to master technology and stay in school.
