Our Bureau
Chicago, IL
Hari Om Mandir, Medinah, IL hosted the Annual Fundraiser Dinner, at the Pearl Banquet, Roselle, on Sept 16, 2023. Patrons, Founder Members, Devotees, and Community Leaders from various Social Organizations, joined hands to raise funds for the cause of Community Services, Growth and Development, and Future Expansion Projects of the Mandir.
The gala evening started off with a red carpet Welcome for all the Guests who attended the Program. A huge Backdrop with the Mandir Logo was set up at the Entrance, and it was an honor to be clicked there for a memorable evening. Photographers were ready to roll their cameras and capture every guest who walked in, exhibiting their best attire and joyous mood! Very soon the venue became a hot favorite for friends and families to take pictures and make their presence at the function, a day to remember.
The program formally started with an auspicious Diya Lighting Ceremony, amidst the chanting of Mantras by the Mandir Priests: Acharya Ram Naresh Vajpayee and Shastri Dharmender Bhatt. Chairman BOT, Brij Sharma, President EB, Vipan Wadhera, Chairman Fundraising Committee, Anil Saxena, and Prem Salwan from Salwan Trading lighted the lamp and the program kicked off with a bang.
Emcees of the Evening, Pratibha Jairath and Mona Sharma welcomed one and all and spelled out the grand Entertainment lined up for the evening. Classical Dance, Bollywood Singing, Rajasthani Folk Dance- Ghoomer, Punjabi Giddha, etc. were all included in the packed Variety Program. Pratibha Jairath and Dr. Pradeep Sood were the Star Singers of the evening, who enthralled the audiences with their melodious songs – all-time old favorites down memory lane, as well as the fast modern upbeat numbers. Very soon, Couples were on the Dance Floor swaying on slow Vault Dancing songs. Finally, just as Dr. Sood sang the all-time hit Punjabi songs, the Floor was jam-packed with people dancing away to glory!
Anil Saxena, Chairman of Fund Raising, outlined the purpose of the evening and gave a brief update on the ongoing Project from 2022 – Hanuman Murti. He shared the progress made on the project from last year, and the remaining funds required for completion. He thanked everyone for their past donations and requested people to continue with their generosity to help Mandir in achieving its goals.
Vipan Wadhera, President Executive Board, emphasized the significance of the Temples today as a source of preserving our roots of Indian spirituality, Values, Heritage, and Culture. Collective Prayers in the Temples generate positive Vibes and provide mental peace and solace to everyone who visits the temple. He made a final appeal for Donations to help the Mandir in conducting Community Service Programs like Medical Camps, Food Drives, Yoga Camps, Mandir Growth and Development Projects. He thanked all Members of the Board and Devotees, who helped him throughout the year for organizing programs and celebrating all Festivals with enthusiasm. No Donation is Small – Every Penny Counts!
The fun-filled evening concluded with a sumptuous dinner and open dance Floor. The President thanked all the donors and finally announced the success of the evening Target Collection had been achieved and a big thank you to all for attending.
–Asian Media USA
