Gala2009


We wanted to focus on real issues faced by women and politicize ourselves, and society around us... Read more Create Change Sakhi Celebrates 20 (Gala 2009) Mission Sakhi for South Asian Women exists to end violence against women. We unite survivors, communities, and institutions to eradicate domestic violence as we work together to create strong and healthy communities. Sakhi uses an integrated approach that combines support and empowerment through service delivery, community engagement, media advocacy, and policy initiatives. You Helped Us Celebrate 20 Years of Ending Violence! Thank you to all Sakhi for South Asian Women Gala attendees for celebrating our 20 years of work towards ending violence against women through a great show of support on Friday, October 2.In this tough economic climate, a sold out fundraising event with over 280 guests is a testament to the impact of Sakhi’s work in our communities. It was a memorable evening of reflecting back on the past two decades of Sakhi’s achievements and looking forward to overcoming the challenges ahead as we continue to advocate for all women to be safe in their homes.Sakhi exists to end violence against women and thanks you for your continued support. Sincerely, Tamseela Tayyabkhan Sakhi Board Chair Learn more about our 20th anniversary celebration Read more on what happened at the event See the event program booklet See the evening's powerpoint See the film report of the evening See the photo report of the evening's program See more fun photos of the evening! Take a look at Sakhi's new films 20 Years One Vision: Ending Violence Against Women Mira, Sakhi Thanks You for Your Friendship! Celebrating Leadership Sakhi Means "Woman Friend" Read press coverage of the event A Woman's Best Friend Sakhi Celebrates 20th Anniversary 20 Years One Vision Sakhi Celebrates 20 See and congratulate our celebration leaders! Thank you to our in-kind donors! Support Sakhi's vital programs: click below to make a donation Sakhi celebrates 20 years of transformations to build a stronger community and end violence (New York, New York) – As they watched talented performers, heard luminary speakers, and mingled at the historic Prince George Ballroom, more than 280 supporters celebrated Sakhi for South Asian Women’s mission to end violence against women at the organization’s 7th gala benefit on Friday, Oct. 2 evening. The evening, with the theme 20 Years One Vision: Ending Violence Against Women, depicted the profound individual and community transformations Sakhi has made possible over its history. “We started out as a grassroots organization to end domestic violence in our communities based on individual instances of women needing help. Twenty years later we’re still there in terms of assisting individuals, but now we have a deeper impact in our community,” reflected Tamseela Tayyabkhan, Sakhi’s Board Chair. Through its 20 years of groundbreaking work, Sakhi’s reach with survivors of abuse and the community has increased dramatically. In the past 7 years, Sakhi’s call volume of new requests for assistance has more than tripled from 201 in 2001 to 731 in 2008 and the organization’s website currently gets more than 17,000 hits per month on average. In 20 years, Sakhi has broken the silence on abuse in the South Asian community. Benefit Co-Chair and author of Speaking the Unspeakable Margaret Abraham noted, “Sakhi has taken big steps to make a difference. If we talked about abuse 20 years ago, it was seen as an issue that was taboo. Now we can talk about it, survivors have a place to go and address these issues, and we have institutions that actually know of the work. One of the greatest joys is that we have not only transformed our communities, but we are also able to celebrate the work that we do.” The evening featured comments by talented filmmaker Mira Nair, who has been a long-time Sakhi supporter. Advancing a spirit of carpe diem, Nair emphasized the ability community members have in making a difference, declaring, “Life is short. Seize the moment, because really all we have is now. Sakhi is an activist organization: get involved, and if you can’t seize the moment in your life in an activist way, then send a check. Honestly, there is no two living, no two lives. It is a waste of happiness to think that we need our own before we extend ourselves to others, because in the extension to others, there is happiness.” Nair’s words were received with great applause by an appreciative audience. Community supporter David Rheingold commented, “I had a spectacular time: the food, the speeches, the pacing were perfect. Mira Nair gave the best keynote speech I have heard at a Sakhi dinner; I would describe her words as electrifying.” Sakhi’s work and impact over its 20 years were highlighted through short films as well as in a celebration of outgoing Executive Director Purvi Shah’s leadership. After 7.5 years at Sakhi’s helm – and 6 prior years as a volunteer – Shah will be transitioning from her role at the close of October. In speaking to the power of Sakhi’s innovative vision, Shah ruminated, “It still strikes me to this day how the founders of Sakhi had the vision not only to see the world as it is and to see that it is unacceptable, but to see that we can do something about it. Here at Sakhi we transform lives, we transform our communities, and we transform institutions. We’re all so used to thinking about outcomes in a few months or a year or some small basis of time, but when you’ve been involved in something for more than a decade, you can really see change in front of your eyes. Today we get to celebrate how far we’ve come. But tomorrow, the work starts anew so we can make sure that generations from now that there is a world without abuse. Together we can create change – for 20 years, we already have.” Mistress of Ceremonies Bhavna Toor opened the evening by introducing the dynamic Sa Dance Company who performed an innovative take on Madonna’s “Vogue.” Before the evening climaxed with music by DJ Rekha, actress Reshma Shetty led a pledge drive. She commented, “What I’m realizing being a first generation South Asian is we don’t talk about this. Even now we don’t talk about violence against women. We are fighting against silence, against fear.” She added, “Sakhi is using its resources well. It is great to celebrate something like this, because it’s such a serious topic. You have to find a cause bigger than yourself.” In the first half of 2009, Sakhi has already responded to 403 new requests for support and conducted 39 outreach presentations. At this rate, Sakhi will shatter its previous record of new requests for assistance, demonstrating how critical a community resource Sakhi is – especially in our current difficult climate. “Sakhi has such a powerful story to tell. It also has many articulate spokespersons,” indicated long-time community supporter Kislaya Prasad. “I feel privileged to be able to support Sakhi.” 20th Anniversary Celebration Leaders Benefit Co-Chairs Margaret Abraham & Pradeep Singh Migna Guzman & Michael Karp Shabnam Hayder Mirza & Mazin Mirza Radhika & Mukesh Sehgal Romita Shetty & Nasser Ahmad Benefit Committee and Sponsors Margaret Abraham & Pradeep Singh Ritu Agarwal & Kislaya Prasad Simi Ahuja & Kumar Mahadeva Tania & Anilesh Ahuja Monica Arora & Raj Goyle Pallavi Ravi Atluri & Anil K. Atluri Bloomberg LLP Dow Jones & Co. Davis and Gilbert LLP Migna Guzman & Michael Karp Shabnam Hayder Mirza & Mazin Mirza Mr. and Mrs. Zaki Hossain Rachel Khanna Nandini & Adil Nathani Reshma Patel Rana Quraishi Ritu Sahai-Mittal & Manish Mittal Radhika & Mukesh Sehgal Romita Shetty & Nasser Ahmad Anju & Joe Simon Chandra Sunkara Tamseela Tayyabkhan & Sanjeev Khanna Alpa Tolia Seran & Ravi Trehan Hanita & Ruby Walia Anonymous (3) Auction Co-Chairs Amita Kalra Reena Mathur In-kind and Auction Donors Shaban Alam, Cochese Arch Dental Associates Aurora Creations Inc. Nasser Azam Aita Benyaklef Jenny Bhatt Butterfly Studios Cadbury City Sweets Gazala Chinwalla Coco9 Da Umberto Marlies Dekkers Devi Eden Technologies Jamshid & Mahshid Ehsani Falchi Falchi Ganjam Jewelers Geetanjali by Geeta Tolia glacéau vitaminwater® Liane Fisher Hayat Gul Claire Haberman Justin Horowitz Suraiya I Hossain Indo-American Arts Council Dinesh Khanna Kanya Wines Kingfisher Brewing Co. Frederic Lagrange Live with Regis & Kelly Preston Merchant Malini Murjani Menus and Music by Sharon O'Connor Mira Nair MTV Networks Panaash Productions - Creative & Elegant Events Dr. Falguni Patel Bob Reed & Kumar Pindiprolu Dr. Mukesh & Chandni Prasad Preston Bailey Entertainment and Set Design Sir Alistair Rai Martin Silverstein Rani Spa Reem Bridals Inc. Saavn.com Marcus Simpson Payal Singhal Sixth Sense Soof Designs Sotheby's Inc. Sundaram Tagore Gallery Tejani Tiffany & Co. Ubuntu at Work Van VLIET New York Xoom.com
top of page \|\| sakhi.org \|\| site index Sakhi is an anti-domestic violence organization that works with the South Asian community in the New York metropolitan area. Contact information: Helpline: 1-212-868-6741; Office: 212-714-9153; E-mail: contactus@sakhi.org

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We wanted to focus on real issues faced by women and politicize ourselves, and society around us... Read more

Create Change

Sakhi Celebrates 20 (Gala 2009)

Mission

Sakhi for South Asian Women exists to end violence against women. We unite survivors, communities, and institutions to eradicate domestic violence as we work together to create strong and healthy communities. Sakhi uses an integrated approach that combines support and empowerment through service delivery, community engagement, media advocacy, and policy initiatives.

You Helped Us Celebrate 20 Years of Ending Violence!

Thank you to all Sakhi for South Asian Women Gala attendees for celebrating our 20 years of work towards ending violence against women through a great show of support on Friday, October 2.In this tough economic climate, a sold out fundraising event with over 280 guests is a testament to the impact of Sakhi’s work in our communities. It was a memorable evening of reflecting back on the past two decades of Sakhi’s achievements and looking forward to overcoming the challenges ahead as we continue to advocate for all women to be safe in their homes.Sakhi exists to end violence against women and thanks you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Tamseela Tayyabkhan

Sakhi Board Chair

Learn more about our 20th anniversary celebration

Read more on what happened at the event
See the event program booklet
See the evening's powerpoint
See the film report of the evening
See the photo report of the evening's program
See more fun photos of the evening!
Take a look at Sakhi's new films
Read press coverage of the event
See and congratulate our celebration leaders!
Thank you to our in-kind donors!

Support Sakhi's vital programs: click below to make a donation

Sakhi celebrates 20 years of transformations to build a stronger community and end violence

(New York, New York) – As they watched talented performers, heard luminary speakers, and mingled at the historic Prince George Ballroom, more than 280 supporters celebrated Sakhi for South Asian Women’s mission to end violence against women at the organization’s 7th gala benefit on Friday, Oct. 2 evening.

The evening, with the theme 20 Years One Vision: Ending Violence Against Women, depicted the profound individual and community transformations Sakhi has made possible over its history. “We started out as a grassroots organization to end domestic violence in our communities based on individual instances of women needing help. Twenty years later we’re still there in terms of assisting individuals, but now we have a deeper impact in our community,” reflected Tamseela Tayyabkhan, Sakhi’s Board Chair.

Through its 20 years of groundbreaking work, Sakhi’s reach with survivors of abuse and the community has increased dramatically. In the past 7 years, Sakhi’s call volume of new requests for assistance has more than tripled from 201 in 2001 to 731 in 2008 and the organization’s website currently gets more than 17,000 hits per month on average.

In 20 years, Sakhi has broken the silence on abuse in the South Asian community. Benefit Co-Chair and author of Speaking the Unspeakable Margaret Abraham noted, “Sakhi has taken big steps to make a difference. If we talked about abuse 20 years ago, it was seen as an issue that was taboo. Now we can talk about it, survivors have a place to go and address these issues, and we have institutions that actually know of the work. One of the greatest joys is that we have not only transformed our communities, but we are also able to celebrate the work that we do.”

The evening featured comments by talented filmmaker Mira Nair, who has been a long-time Sakhi supporter. Advancing a spirit of carpe diem, Nair emphasized the ability community members have in making a difference, declaring, “Life is short. Seize the moment, because really all we have is now. Sakhi is an activist organization: get involved, and if you can’t seize the moment in your life in an activist way, then send a check. Honestly, there is no two living, no two lives. It is a waste of happiness to think that we need our own before we extend ourselves to others, because in the extension to others, there is happiness.”

Nair’s words were received with great applause by an appreciative audience. Community supporter David Rheingold commented, “I had a spectacular time: the food, the speeches, the pacing were perfect. Mira Nair gave the best keynote speech I have heard at a Sakhi dinner; I would describe her words as electrifying.”

Sakhi’s work and impact over its 20 years were highlighted through short films as well as in a celebration of outgoing Executive Director Purvi Shah’s leadership. After 7.5 years at Sakhi’s helm – and 6 prior years as a volunteer – Shah will be transitioning from her role at the close of October.

In speaking to the power of Sakhi’s innovative vision, Shah ruminated, “It still strikes me to this day how the founders of Sakhi had the vision not only to see the world as it is and to see that it is unacceptable, but to see that we can do something about it. Here at Sakhi we transform lives, we transform our communities, and we transform institutions. We’re all so used to thinking about outcomes in a few months or a year or some small basis of time, but when you’ve been involved in something for more than a decade, you can really see change in front of your eyes. Today we get to celebrate how far we’ve come. But tomorrow, the work starts anew so we can make sure that generations from now that there is a world without abuse. Together we can create change – for 20 years, we already have.”

Mistress of Ceremonies Bhavna Toor opened the evening by introducing the dynamic Sa Dance Company who performed an innovative take on Madonna’s “Vogue.” Before the evening climaxed with music by DJ Rekha, actress Reshma Shetty led a pledge drive. She commented, “What I’m realizing being a first generation South Asian is we don’t talk about this. Even now we don’t talk about violence against women. We are fighting against silence, against fear.” She added, “Sakhi is using its resources well. It is great to celebrate something like this, because it’s such a serious topic. You have to find a cause bigger than yourself.”

In the first half of 2009, Sakhi has already responded to 403 new requests for support and conducted 39 outreach presentations. At this rate, Sakhi will shatter its previous record of new requests for assistance, demonstrating how critical a community resource Sakhi is – especially in our current difficult climate.

“Sakhi has such a powerful story to tell. It also has many articulate spokespersons,” indicated long-time community supporter Kislaya Prasad. “I feel privileged to be able to support Sakhi.”

20th Anniversary Celebration Leaders

Benefit Co-Chairs

Margaret Abraham & Pradeep Singh
Migna Guzman & Michael Karp
Shabnam Hayder Mirza & Mazin Mirza
Radhika & Mukesh Sehgal
Romita Shetty & Nasser Ahmad

Auction Co-Chairs

Amita Kalra
Reena Mathur

In-kind and Auction Donors

Shaban Alam, Cochese
Arch Dental Associates
Aurora Creations Inc.
Nasser Azam
Aita Benyaklef
Jenny Bhatt
Butterfly Studios
Cadbury
City Sweets
Gazala Chinwalla
Coco9
Da Umberto
Marlies Dekkers
Devi
Eden Technologies
Jamshid & Mahshid Ehsani
Falchi Falchi
Ganjam Jewelers
Geetanjali by Geeta Tolia
glacéau vitaminwater®
Liane Fisher
Hayat Gul
Claire Haberman
Justin Horowitz
Suraiya I Hossain
Indo-American Arts Council
Dinesh Khanna
Kanya Wines
Kingfisher Brewing Co.
Frederic Lagrange
Live with Regis & Kelly
Preston Merchant
Malini Murjani
Menus and Music by Sharon O'Connor
Mira Nair
MTV Networks
Panaash Productions - Creative & Elegant Events
Dr. Falguni Patel
Bob Reed & Kumar Pindiprolu
Dr. Mukesh & Chandni Prasad
Preston Bailey Entertainment and Set Design
Sir Alistair Rai
Martin Silverstein
Rani Spa
Reem Bridals Inc.
Saavn.com
Marcus Simpson
Payal Singhal
Sixth Sense
Soof Designs
Sotheby's Inc.
Sundaram Tagore Gallery
Tejani
Tiffany & Co.
Ubuntu at Work
Van VLIET New York
Xoom.com

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Sakhi is an anti-domestic violence organization that works with the South Asian community in the New York metropolitan area.
Contact information: Helpline: 1-212-868-6741; Office: 212-714-9153; E-mail: contactus@sakhi.org

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