Our Bureau
New York
Gift of Life USA celebrated its ninth Annual Gala advocating Schizophrenia and BiPolar on 21st April 2024 at an evening filled with inspiring speakers, entertainment and opportunities to make a difference in the community. The event was gracefully emceed by Dr. Harshil Parekh and Akash Patel and had a full house with representation from several organizations and community leaders.
Gift of Life USA is a 501 (C) (3) non-profit organization, founded by Paresh, Flora and Dr. Harshil Parekh, with the aim to help the specially-abled and nurture acceptance and empathy, bridging the gap across the various communities that form our society.
The Gala event was proof of innovative spirit and dedication to making a meaningful difference and was evidence of compassion, empathy and tireless dedication to the cause.
Every year, the gala event has witnessed the inspiring journey of several disorders – advocating and raising awareness of various inspiring individuals and visualizing the incredible talent of the visually impaired, autistic speakers and models, down syndrome entrepreneurs, Asperger’s – epilepsy disorders, cerebral palsy role models, our special amputees, dyspraxia, dementia and this year the gala event advocated Schizophrenia and Bipolar. The Gala served as a unique platform where sponsors, donors and supporters get the opportunity to meet inspiring Differently abled Speakers, Entrepreneurs, employers, performers and beneficiaries they will be supporting and see for themselves the beautiful talents these individuals bring to the world.
Michelle Hammer, living with Schizophrenia and Entrepreneur of mental health-focused clothing brand Schizophrenic.nyc, inspired the audience with her story of being diagnosed with schizophrenia at 22 after a misdiagnosis of bipolar at age 18. She is a Schizophrenia Activist and spends her time passionately fighting stigma with the mission of reducing stigma by starting conversations about mental health.
John & Barbara McNamara CFO and Director of SMILE, Support My Independent Life, supports about 200 individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to live self-directed lives.
Their differently abled abilities have not stopped them from achieving the impossible. The event started with an in-depth overview of the organization’s introduction and program details by Dr. Bhavani Srinivasan followed by a rocking band performance by Down syndrome and autistic FREE Drum players, followed by recognizing the youth leadership of Dr. Harshil Parekh for his dedicated and continued vision and mission to serve the community and humanity.
Poetess Tejal A. Desai enchanted the audience with her beautiful poem recital dedicated to her mom and was recognized as a Youth role model and for her upcoming prelaunch of a book of poems.
Rocking entertainment included a mesmerizing performance by Dominican Republic authentic dance performance ion colorful costumes By Dominican Dance Group. The highlight of the event was a live Dance workshop of several dance forms led by Shilpa Jhurani of RS International NYC.
Directors Kalpana Patel, Kamlesh & Mrudula Parekh, Shashi Malik, Mrs. Purnima & Tejal Desai, Dr. Bhavani Srinivasan, Sheetal and Jasmin Pathak, Dr. Harshil Parekh, Akash Patel as well as Founders Paresh and Flora Parekh welcomed and thanked several organizational Presidents, Community Leaders, Sponsors, Supporters well-wishers for their continued support year over year. Directors Mayur Dalal and Amarish Kachhy shared their remote wishes and blessings. Kaul Photography covered great event memories.
In a landscape often marked by monotonous programs, the ability of Gift of Life USA to infuse creativity and uniqueness into the Gala was duly noticed and complimented by community leaders.
Apart from combating social stigma by raising awareness about different disorders, the true strength of Gift of Life USA lies in the funding and support it gives to individuals with these various physical and mental disorders. The organization functions with generous donations from the community and is operated by volunteers. The event conveyed heartfelt thanks to all Committee Members, Performers, Donors, Supporters, Volunteers, and well-wishers for their continued support over the years towards changing lives and making this world a better place.
The gala portrayed the incredible journey of supporting various programs and activities, not limited to, “Save a Child” Support, “We are Special” Talent & Skill Recognition, “Health & Education,” “Awareness”, “College Scholarships for Differently Abled” and “Service Dog Support Program”. The organization also awards Scholarships to Autistic College going students, promotes and showcases talent of the differently abled, helps the special needs community with health and education needs.
Gift of Life USA appeals to donors to come, see, believe and support these true abilities and share the organization’s vision of acceptance and compassion for the differently abled. For additional information and ways to support visit its website.
