Wednesday, May 25, 2005

Part 1: As Seen on May 14th, 2005
The Tsunami Reconstruction Benefit Fund-raising was a Gala and memorable event held at Marriott Hotels & Suites Grand Ballroom, Bloomington, MN. The event was held on Saturday (14th May 2005) with the Silent Auction starting at 5:00pm (along with kids fun room with activities), which then moved on to the Grand Ball Room at 6:30 pm. Dr. Krishna Menon who welcomed the audience with a speech that had the under-tone of kind-heartedness and fellow-feeling.

This was followed by an impressive performance by Divya Unni, performing to the music and lyrics of five eye-catching dance numbers. The Grand Ballroom almost full with the presence of our sponsors, patron (donation) members and Volunteer members had a mood of enjoyment for the evening as the audience applauded the performance after every dance number.

More than half-way through the dance, a ten minute live video (“Pray and Serve” Tsunami $23 million pledge as reported by world news organizations such as ABC, MSNBC, CNN, BBC, and others) presentation, from AMMA.org, filled the room with silence and compassion, as if each heart and soul was in prayers for the victims of the Tsunami, as seen on the video screen.

Subsequent to the video presentation, the Gala Buffet Dinner (consisting of Eastern and Western cuisine with a rich & classy dessert menu of choice) was announced as the performance continued.

After the fifth dance number was complete, the Special Guest for the evening, Senator Satveer Chaudhari (State of Minnesota) was welcomed and honored with a flower bouquet. The guest performers (celebrity dance (cine) star of the evening Ms. Divya Unni and celebrity Smooth Jazz artist Ms. Linda Peterson, (first Jazz family of Minnesota)) were also welcomed and honored with the flower bouquets. The Senator then spoke a few words about the State’s endeavor in support to the cause and help for the Tsunami victims. The audience was in high appreciation of the words by the senator.

The audience seemed to be in a great mood as the smooth jazz version of the evening program was kicked off by Linda Peterson with her melodious voice and a classic trio jazz band. Some of the audience was in the mood to dance as were the kids who enjoyed the most with their version of the dance. Meanwhile the Silent Auction winners and raffle ticket winners were announced.

This wonderful evening came to an end around 10:00pm with a great feeling left behind that the hope of raising at least $10,000 in funds for this noble cause (reconstruction efforts for Tsunami victims) had been not only met but also surpassed the initial goal.

Vote of Thanks:

This Gala event could not have been possible without the generous contribution from the souls that were present for the evening and those hundreds of who have contributed in cash and kind. The Amma Satsang of Minnesota and Amma Organization (Mata Amritanadamayi Center) express our heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors, patron (donation) members, volunteers and others who have participated in the fundraising effort and all those who focused their efforts in the drive and also to make this event a success.

Part 2: Current Fund-raising Status
Dr. Krishna Menon, core member of the Amma Satsang of Minnesota announced the Fundraising plan during the last week of March 2005 and the goal at a minimum was set to raise 10,000 dollars. The core organizing team was quickly formed and all the efforts to make the event happen were put in place.

Today May 25, 2005, I am proud to announce that we have been blessed by Amma and the great souls from Minnesota opened their heart and came forward to help us raise and donate a net proceed of $25,000 in funds. The net proceeds go to M.A.Center (Mata Amritanandamayi Center, a non-profit charity association with federal tax exemption) in San Ramon, C.A. and will be utilized for the reconstruction (free Housing and orphanages for kids, shelters, schools, etc) efforts for the Tsunami victims in India and Sri Lanka.

Thanks to all our sponsors and supporters of this noble cause.

By: Santosh Sreedharan

Organizing Member: Amma Satsang of Minnesota, www.amma-mn.org

Click here for: Pictures from the Tsunami Reconstruction Benefit

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