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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline MAY 08, 2026 | The Indian Eye 34

Eye Foundation of America Marks 50 Years

of Service with Landmark Charity Gala

The charity gala raised over $100,000 with 4x Impact for Children in Need

OUR BUREAU by Board Member Dr. Srinu Maddu-
la—resulting in a remarkable fourfold
Somerset, NJ
increase in total funds generated.
ye Foundation of America “This milestone is not just about
(EFA) proudly celebrated its looking back at 50 years of service, but
E50th year of dedicated service to about accelerating our mission for the
children with a highly successful chari- future,” said Dr Leela V Raju Presi-
ty gala fundraiser recently held at The dent EFA. “The overwhelming support
Imperia by Dhaba in New Jersey. The we witnessed reflects a shared belief in
milestone event brought together more creating lasting change for children.”
than 200 attendees, including friends, Proceeds from the gala will di-
supporters, donors, board members, rectly support two key initiatives in
and partners, in a powerful evening of India: the development of the new
purpose, generosity, and celebration. Goutami Building and the expansion
Led by Board Members Sam of the ROP (Retinopathy of Prema-
Maddali and Sekhar Vemparala, the turity) program. Both initiatives are
gala highlighted five decades of EFA’s critical to advancing healthcare access
commitment to transforming young and improving outcomes for vulnera-
lives. The evening featured a vibrant ble children.
live band performance that energized As EFA enters its next chapter, the
the audience and underscored the spir- organization remains steadfast in its vi-
it of unity behind the cause. sion—empowering children through
The event raised over $100,000, tive that amplified its impact. Every by EFA Founder and President, Dr. sustainable programs, compassionate
with an extraordinary matching initia- dollar contributed was first matched V.K. Raju, and then further matched care, and global community support.

Brookdale Community College and Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy

Partner to Expand Student Access to Healthcare

OUR BUREAU are not only supporting their academ- ditions such as diabetes, heart disease, grow, plans include expanding student
ic success, but we are strengthening and mental health challenges, while engagement through internships, ed-
Lincroft, NJ
the health and well-being of our en- also offering vaccinations and other ucational programming, and hands-
rookdale Community Col- tire community.” essential services. Shah, who has been on experiences within the pharmacy
lege has announced a growing Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy, named among the 50 Most Influential setting. These opportunities will allow
Bpartnership with Ritesh Shah the first charitable pharmacy in New People in Pharmacy in 2026, is wide- students to gain real-world health-
Charitable Pharmacy, a collaboration Jersey, was established in 2022 to close ly recognized for his leadership and care experience while contributing to
rooted in a shared commitment to gaps in the healthcare system by pro- commitment to equitable healthcare meaningful community service.
improving access to healthcare while viding free, life-saving medications to access and medication affordability. For the pharmacy, the partner-
enhancing educational opportunities underserved populations. The mission He is also the author of Pills to Pur- ship provides valuable insight into the
for students. was deeply personal. In 2021, found- pose: A True Story of a Pharmacist. needs of Brookdale’s diverse student
The partnership was established er Ritesh Shah lost his sister, Rena, a Through the partnership, Brook- population and strengthens its ability
through a mutual interest in advanc- fellow pharmacist, to COVID-19. She dale students will benefit from im- to tailor services accordingly. It also
ing community health and education, had struggled to access necessary med- proved access to medications, med- offers a direct connection to the next
with both organizations recognizing ical care and medications during the ical supplies, and support services generation of healthcare profession-
the opportunity to better support pandemic while managing diabetes. designed to reduce barriers to care. als and community leaders.
Brookdale’s student population. With Inspired by her lifelong dream of help- This initiative is particularly impactful “This collaboration strengthens
the support of Brookdale President ing underserved patients, Shah made for students managing chronic condi- both education and healthcare deliv-
David M. Stout, Ph.D., the relation- a promise to build a pharmacy in her tions or navigating financial challeng- ery by connecting learning with direct
ship has evolved into a meaningful col- honor, ensuring others would not face es, allowing them to focus more fully community impact,” Shah said.
laboration focused on access, learn- the same barriers to care. on their academic success. Ritesh Shah and his wife, Asha
ing, and long-term community impact. Founded on that promise, the “By reducing barriers to care, stu- Shah, will be honored at this year’s
“Partnerships like this reflect the pharmacy operates without a cash reg- dents can focus on their studies with Brookdale Community College Foun-
very best of our mission in action,” ister, serving individuals at or below one less concern during their college dation Scholarship Bash for their com-
Stout said, “By connecting our stu- 300 percent of the federal poverty lev- experience,” said Shah. mitment to supporting students and
dents with critical healthcare resourc- el. Since its founding, it has filled more The collaboration also creates the broader community, an acknowl-
es while also creating meaningful, than $2 million worth of prescriptions, opportunities for experiential learn- edgment that reflects the strength
real-world learning opportunities, we supporting patients with chronic con- ing. As the partnership continues to and promise of this collaboration.

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