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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline MAY 03, 2024 | The Indian Eye 20

Gift of Life USA hosts Gala 2024 for supporting

differently-abled Individuals

OUR BUREAU
New York, NY
ift of Life USA, a non-prof-
it organization founded by
GParesh, Flora and Dr. Harshil
Parekh, with the aim to help the spe-
cially-abled and nurture acceptance
and empathy, bridging the gap across
the various communities that form
our society. The organization cele-
brated its ninth Annual Gala advo-
cating Schizophrenia and BiPolar this
past weekend at an evening filled with
inspiring speakers, entertainment and
opportunities to make a difference in
our community. The event was grace-
fully emceed by Dr. Harshil Parekh
and Akash Patel and had a full house
with representation from several or-
ganizations and community leaders.
Gala event, orchestrated by the
organization, was a proof of innova-
tive spirit and dedication to making
a meaningful difference and was ev-
ident of compassion, empathy and
tireless dedication to the cause.
The Gala serves 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 & Entrepreneur
of mental health-focused clothing
brand Schizophrenic.nyc, inspired
the audience with her story of be- rocking band performance by Down by Shilpa Jhurani of RS International and uniqueness into the Gala was
ing diagnosed with schizophrenia at syndrome and autistic FREE Drum NYC. duly noticed and complimented by
22 after a misdiagnosis of bipolar at players, followed by recognizing Directors Kalpana Patel, Kam- community leaders.
age 18. She is a Schizophrenia Activ- the youth leadership of Dr. Harshil lesh & Mrudula Parekh, Shashi Ma- Apart from combating social
ist and spends her time passionately Parekh for his dedicated and contin- lik, Mrs. Purnima & Tejal Desai, stigma by raising awareness about
fighting stigma with the mission of ued vision and mission to serve the Dr. Bhavani Srinivasan, Sheetal and different disorders, the true strength
reducing stigma by starting conversa- community and humanity. Jasmin Pathak, Dr. Harshil Parekh, of Gift of Life USA lies in the fund-
tions about mental health. Poetess Tejal A. Desai enchanted Akash Patel as well as Founders ing and support it gives to individuals
John & Barbara McNamara the audience by her beautiful poem Paresh and Flora Parekh Welcomed with these various physical and men-
CFO and Director of SMILE, Sup- recital dedicated to her mom and was and Thanked Several organization- tal disorders. The organization func-
port My Independent Life, support recognized as a Youth role model al Presidents, Community Leaders, tions with generous donations from
about 200 individuals with develop- and her upcoming prelaunch of book Sponsors, Supporters well-wishers the community and is operated by
mental disabilities and their families of poems. for their continued support year over volunteers. Our heartfelt Thank you
to live self-directed lives. Rocking entertainment included year. Directors Mayur Dalal and to all our Committee Members, Per-
Their differently-abled abilities a mesmerizing performance by Do- Amarish Kachhy shared their remote formers, Donors, Supporters, Volun-
have not stopped them achieving the minican Republic authentic dance wishes and blessings. Kaul Photogra- teers and well-wishers for their con-
impossible. Event started with an in- performance ion colorful costumes phy covered great event memories. tinued support over years. The team’s
depth overview of the organization’s By Dominican Dance Group. The In a landscape often marked by vision and efforts were a remarkable
introduction and program details by highlight of the event was live Dance monotonous programs, the ability of step forward towards changing lives
Dr. Bhavani Srinivasan followed by workshop of several dance forms led Gift of Life USA to infuse creativity and making our world a better place.

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