MAFS Seniors enthrall the audience at Mini Fund Raiser

Chicago IL: Over 300 seniors and prominent community members attended Metropolitan Asian Family Service’s Mini Fundraising dinner on May 20, 2017 at 1421 S. Roselle Road Schaumburg, IL 60193. The celebration started with the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the Schaumburg Adult Day Care location by Congressman Raja Krishnamurthy & State Rep. Ms. Mussman. This was followed by Lighting of the auspicious Deep by prominent leaders of the community like Congressman Raja Krishnamurthy, Vipan Wadhera President of Hari Om Mandir, Krishna Bansal Outreach Coordinator Naperville Village, Jay D'Mello MB Financial, Syed Mohammed, manager, US Bank, Cameel Mohammed, Private Banker, Chase Bank, Dr Firdaus Jafri President MAFS, Neil Patel, Owner, MedStar and Mrs. Santosh Kumar Executive Director MAFS.

In his opening remarks the Chief Guest, Congressman Raja Krishnamurthy spoke about the importance of such community services provide to the seniors which also helps their children to continue to work without stress and worry. He also commended the MAFS team for serving the community on all fronts for over 3 decades. Keynote Speaker State Rep. Michelle Mussman recognized the efforts Executive Director Mrs. Santosh Kumar has made to help the community and provide services to as many people as possible in Chicagoland area.

Mr. Krishna Bansal in his opening statement said that he counts himself as part of MAFS family and urged the community to come forward and join in MAFS mission of serving and caring. Mr. O.P. Meena Indian Consul, Chicago appreciated the services provided by MAFS and spoke very high about MAFS’s efforts to make Yoga Day, a big success and invited the whole community to join the upcoming Yoga day being held in Naperville, IL on June 24, 2017. Guest speaker Executive Director of CLESE Marta Pereyra spoke about the years she has been associated with MAFS and congratulated MAFS for its extra ordinary efforts to serve the community in spite of budget cut for social services.

In her speech Executive Director Mrs. Kumar said that due to the recent budget impasse we are at the threshold of our limits and Community members should understand these facts and come forward to support these programs if we are to continue to serve our seniors now and in the future. She thanked all the dignitaries for their presence and support. She also thanked to all the seniors for showcasing such a heartwarming programs that made everyone laugh and remember their own hay days. She appreciated MB Financial Bank for donating $1000 for the good cause of MAFS. Mrs. Kumar also remarked that she feels an inner sense of satisfaction when she sees the seniors dancing, singing and enjoying themselves now vis-a-vis when they had joined the center in a sad and depressed condition.

She Thanked Board president Dr. Jafri as a pillar of the organization, other board members, staff members, managers, ADS staff, who are working in front and behind the scene to make MAFS a well reputed social service organization. She also showcased few key staff members from the public benefit program Ms. Connie Dogaru, Ms. Meenu Jethi and Mr. Harish Mahajan for their exemplary work for the community.

The entertainment program began with Ganesh Pushpanjali by Kalapadma Dance Academy choreographed by Ruth Varghese and performed by Anjali Varghese, Jenish Bulsara, Eshana Patel, Shreya Rawal, Maya Patel and Krishna Shah. The Seniors' performances began with a rocking show by Niles ADS seniors performing on "Woh Ladki Hai Kaha". Schaumburg ADS seniors followed by showcasing "Zindagi Zinda Dili Ka Naam Hai" ably introduced with a speech from ADS senior Jayesh Desai. Not to be left behind Naperville ADS senior Tabassum Rabbini received a standing ovation after performing on "Inhi Logo Nein" from the movie "Pakeezah". Naperville ADS seniors gave another Dhamakedar dance performance with "Bollywood Ka Safar", a medley of songs from the black and white era of 1960 to the colored times of today. The performances were ably ended by Chicago ADS seniors showing their various talents (Hoonar) and demonstrating "Unity in Diversity" by their costumes from different states of India.

The audience enjoyed delicious vegetarian dinner catered from Shree Restaurant, Westmont IL.

Dinner was followed by a melodious performance of Bollywood songs by local singers Chetan Trivedi and Dr. Sonal Patel ably supported by professional DJ Abhi Trivedi.

Our emcees Neelam Desai, Naperville Manager and Jahnavi Bavisi, Niles Manager successfully managed the entire program and the event was concluded with the vote of thanks presented by Mrs. Santosh Kumar.

Happy Faces! Ready to serve the Schaumburg Senior Citizens at our brand new location!

Ribbon cutting ceremony at the brand new MAFS Schaumburg location. Left to Right, Mrs. Santosh Kumar, Executive Director; Congressman Raja Krishnamurthy; Dr. Rakesh Asthana, Board Director; Michelle Mussman

Lighting of the traditional lamp by Congressman Raja Krishnamurthy at the new MAFS Schaumburg location.

WOW!! Niles’s seniors kicking the dance numbers to a new level!!