Taking place in November 2024 and fueled by the rising popularity of pickleball, the volunteers crafted an engaging tournament experience that included an auction featuring local brands from Englewood, trophies, sponsored prize money, exciting games like word searches and bingo, and delicious food offerings such as falafels and pizza, not to mention a variety of refreshing beverages.

Their hard work and commitment truly paid off when the final numbers were tallied. They doubled their initial fundraising goal, marking a record achievement for the student-run organization. By November, the committee had successfully raised over $20,000 in donations and sponsorships, showcasing the incredible support from the community. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all our sponsors and donors for your generous contributions!

K4K is Breaking Records and Making History

The 2024 Pickleball Event has set a new benchmark for the Kids4Kids initiative. Every form of ticket sold out, filling the venue to maximum capacity and underscoring the enthusiasm that this fundraiser generated. Participants reveled in the thrill of the tournament, enjoyed open play rounds, received coaching, and participated in fun activities, including a lively photo booth. The supportive atmosphere fostered by both volunteers and participants reinforced the committee’s belief in the positive impact they are making through community service.

By the event’s conclusion, Kids4Kids had raised an impressive $30,000 to help educate under-resourced children in rural areas of India. This achievement reflects the committee’s dedication and underscores the strong support from our local community that is willing to contribute to this vital cause.

Join Us in Making a Difference

The Kids4Kids Committee is on the lookout for new, enthusiastic members passionate about making a difference in the lives of children in India. If you want to support this noble cause, consider joining our organization and contributing your time and skills to future events.

Looking ahead, mark your calendars for our Spring Event in 2025, where we will celebrate another successful year and continue our mission of impacting the lives of children. We will announce more details soon on our website, so stay tuned!

Get Involved With K4K Today

At Share & Care Foundation, we believe in the power of community and the difference we can make when we come together. Your involvement – whether through participation, volunteering, or sponsorship –enables us to continue our work in education and support for needy children.

Together, we can create opportunities and change lives. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to welcoming you to our upcoming events!

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Featuring a rousing musical performance by Samir & Dipalee, India’s favorite singing couple, and speeches from all generations of Share & Care members, the evening felt more like a reunion of friends and family than a charity gala. The compassion and joy of our more than 650 attendees was palpable in the auditorium. Check out some images from the event below:

Photo credit to Share & Care members, Sonali & Ujval Dalal.

The management committee of Share & Care Foundation.

President Saumil Parikh catching up with YPC member Sweta Sukhadia.

India’s favorite singing couple Samir & Dipalee kicking off the concert.

Founding Members serving since over 40 years Dr. Lila Shah & Sudha Bhansali.

Kids 4 Kids members selling merchandise before the show.

Past President and BOT member Sharad Shah & Women’s Empowerment Chair Ketki Shah celebrating alongside chief guest Congressman Frank Pallone.

Samir & Dipalee singing to an enraptured crowd.

Director of Operations and Marketing, Tejal Parekh giving an interview.

Share and Care members volunteering before the show.

Past and present Board of Trustees and Management Committee members .

The post A Legacy of Service: Images From Our Outstanding 2023 Gala appeared first on Share & Care Foundation.

“This was a unique and remarkable program,” wrote a patron who attended the virtual gala. “Every artist is without a doubt exceptionally talented and their energy level is unmatched. Each of them gave more than 110% in making this event a grand success.”

VIEW MORE PHOTOS

Another highlight of the evening included a short film outlining our COVID-19 disaster relief efforts (as well as our ongoing Signature Programs which provide women empowerment, village upliftment, healthcare, and education for underserved people in India). The premier show on October 10 highlighted recent strides made with the support of our partner NGOs. A few key achievements in 2020 included:

• Raising more than half a million dollars in funds in 2020 (so far) for our Signature and Disaster Relief Programs — including $100,000 worth of saris.
• Conducting a successful Sari Drive, during which Share & Care collected saris totaling $100,000 in value. This project will provide the saris on loan to people who cannot afford them for special occasions, and will bring smiles to the faces of thousands of families.
• Supporting Ratna Nidhi Charitable Trust in providing khichdi meals for children and daily wage workers affected by the pandemic lockdowns in Mumbai. Share & Care provided direct funding for 72,000 khichdi meals, while RNCT has served a total of one million meals (and counting).
• Collaborating with Mijwan Welfare Society to provide food and hygiene support kits for more than 3,100 individuals in Uttar Pradesh.
• Empowering the Environmental Sanitation Institute, whose Lok Mitras lead our Village Upliftment programs, to distribute masks and grocery kits for 5,000+ families affected by COVID-19.
• Partnering with PRADAN to provide grocery kits and meal kitchens for hundreds of families in Jharkhand.

Share & Care received warm wishes from Padma Shri Asha Parekh, who praised the organization and gave thanks to its patrons, and from Congressman Frank Pallone, who recalled a trip to India and thanked Share & Care for the organization’s extensive COVID-19 disaster relief efforts.

We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to the volunteers, patrons, performers, well-wishers, and 550+ attendees who made our first-ever virtual gala an uplifting and memorable experience.

If you were unable to attend this show but would still like to contribute toward our mission, it is never too late to give. Please consider making a gift to support our Signature and disaster relief programs today.

MAKE A GIFT

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The Share & Care Foundation’s 8th Annual Health & Wellness Fair, held Sunday, October 20, 2019, at Hindu Samaj Mandir in Mahwah, New Jersey, provided health and wellness checks for 120 local residents who would not otherwise be able to afford these services.

Participants were overjoyed at the opportunity, and expressed heartfelt appreciation for the time and effort from devoted, hard-working volunteers, including medical professionals who ranged from internists to cardiologists. It is estimated that the professional services, free of charge to all participants, were valued upwards of $100,000. Their service also makes it possible for Share & Care to conduct the annual event at virtually zero cost.

Participants Receive Care Specific to Their Needs

Thanks to hours and hours of preparation from a team of volunteers ahead of time, each participant was given the one-on-one attention they deserve.
Participants were encouraged to register early so they could have blood drawn a week prior, October 13, at the same location. The free blood screenings made it possible to arrange one-on-one consultations with volunteer medical specialists during the Health & Wellness Fair, based on individual results. In all, 75 recipients pre-registered and 45 registered on the day of the event, October 20.

Each participant had their blood pressure checked and recorded along with their weight and body mass index. Internists and lifestyle managers, i.e., weight and nutrition specialists, reviewed each and made referrals as needed to volunteer specialists that included cardiologists, endocrinologists, neurologists, nephrologists, gastroenterologists, pulmonologists, pain management specialists, psychiatrists, and OB/GYNs. Some participants saw as many as four different specialists.

Flu shots were also offered and more than 70 were administered. Additionally, 65 participants took advantage of free eye screenings provided by participating ophthalmologists and the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired.  Volunteer pharmacists, acupuncturists, physical therapists, massage therapists, and dentists were also on hand.

The annual event is the brainchild of Dr. Bharti Palkhiwala, who serves on the Share & Care board and as the organization’s “Healthcare to Unreached” program director. Working with a devoted team of volunteers, Dr. Palkhiwala joined forces with Dr. Savita Khosla to bring basic healthcare services to this year’s recipients.

Share & Care thanks all those who donated their time and resources freely for this worthy cause. Their kindness goes above and beyond. Share & Care also received an outpouring of enthusiasm at this year’s event and thanks all those who expressed interest in volunteering for this and other programs.
Thanks also to: Mystic Lifestyle, Healthcare Simplicity, Faith Home Health Care, Mohan Foundation USA, Valley Hospitals, and Quest Laboratories. And so many more.

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The theme of the show (“Take the Wheel: Drive to Erase Inequality”) honored our achievements from the past 37 years while also recognizing our intentions to drive forward with our lifesaving Signature Programs at full speed.

The nearly sold-out event featured spectacular entertainment from Bollywood Boulevard: A Journey Through Hindi Cinema. Led by a creative team consisting of Heena Patel, Rushi Vakil, and Rohit Gijare, the troupe’s musical and visual performers guided audience members through an exciting history and celebration of India’s most well-recognized film industry.

The event also featured a special appearance by our Chief Guest of Honor, acclaimed Bollywood actor Manisha Koirala. Known for her roles in films such as 1942: A Love Story, Dil Se.., and Lajja (among others), Manisha is a staunch supporter of our Women Empowerment and Healthcare 2 Unreached programs and has been a compassionate champion of our cause for years.

At the gala, Manisha was introduced by Dr. Ketki Shah, Program Director for our Women Empowerment Signature Program. During the introduction, Dr. Shah recounted her memory of April 25, 2015, the day Nepal was hit with a catastrophic earthquake. Desperate to find help in facilitating humanitarian aid, Dr. Shah reached out to Manisha — who quickly and graciously agreed. This was the moment that solidified Manisha’s relationship with our organization.

During the event Manisha also released her new book Healed, which chronicles the ups and downs of her life, career, and relationships, including her battle with ovarian cancer.

As an advocate for marginalized members of society, Manisha has challenged Share & Care to empower 20,200 women in the year 2020 — a task and honor we have gladly accepted.

We extend our sincere thanks to all of our donors, supporters, volunteers, members, and others who made this event possible, and who helped us raise more than $600,000 to empower India. We eagerly look forward to your continued support for Share & Care’s programs to help the most marginalized women, men, and children in India. Your generosity makes a significant and lasting difference in their lives.

Below, please enjoy a video presented at the event. It provides an overview of our healthcare, education, and women empowerment programs and describes our holistic humanitarian approach.

To view a digital copy of our 37th Annual Gala Book, please click here.

The post Thank You For Supporting Share & Care’s 37th Annual Gala appeared first on Share & Care Foundation.

Share & Care Foundation held its second annual Make a Difference 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at Overpeck County Park in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey. The event raised over $74,000 for Share & Care’s programs to empower marginalized people in India with opportunities for gender equality, healthcare, and education.

VIEW PHOTOS

Hundreds of attendees, volunteers, and sponsors came together for this family-friendly race, which also included a 1K Walk/Run for kids, yoga and other wellness activities, a charity drive benefiting a local nonprofit, a Family Fun Fair, and complimentary T-shirts for participants.

After the main event, the top runners in each category were honored during an awards ceremony. Congratulations to the following winners:

VIEW ALL RESULTS

This event once again demonstrated the dedication and enthusiasm of our community of Share & Care supporters, who had a great time in the sun while also inspiring change for future generations and our beneficiaries across the globe.

We would like to thank the following volunteers, who worked tirelessly in the months, days, and hours leading up to the event — and during the event itself!

The 5K team: Namrata Mehta, Reema Bhansali, Rajul Mehta, Amit Jhalani, Vipul Shah, Shreya Mehta, Saumil Parikh, Saloni Parikh

The 1K team: Aastha Mehta, Karisma Jhaveri, Saheli Kothari, Anuja Dangayach

General volunteers: Maunil Shah, Varsha Mehta, Ruchi Mehta (medic)

Young Professionals Committee: Aditi Vyas, Dhilati Oza, Vidisha Mulani, Megan Kothari, Pooja Panday, Varun Malhotra

Fun Fair Team: Mona Bhansali, Simoni Shah, Atul Kothari, Chirag Shah, Bela Mehta

Share & Care Kids4Kids group: Yamini Dalal, Ashna Jain, Diya Mehta, Muskaan Bhansali, Yana Mehta, Aangi Shah, Brianna Varaiya, Anushka Shah, Mysha Jhaveri, Riya Shah, Shaili Shah, Ashna Shah, Priya Gohil, Arnav Choudhry, Neil Parikh, Parth Mehta, Krish Sheth, Shlok Jhaveri, Aarya Shah, Kunal Mehta, Rehan Shah, Yash Mehta, Shaurya Shah, Rajvir Solanky, Sohan Shah, Sanya Kothari, Vidit Shah, Sanay Doshi, Sareena Parikh, Akshay Mehta

… and all Share & Care members and staff!

Additionally, we’d like to extend our gratitude to the following individuals and sponsors:

Family Fun Fair food vendors: Pinankis Cupcakes, The Kind Kitchen by Priya Mehta, Sita our Gita Pani Puri, Blimpie, Vada Pav Station, Sushi and Bhel, Pau Bhaji by Honest Caterers, Slushies, Flavored Rasgullas by Rima, Baked Goods by Bijal Parikh and Purvi Shah, Corn Chat and Cola by Golmaal.

Sahil Kothari, who gifted our Share & Care Kids4Kids volunteers with $100 gift cards, requesting only that each recipient “pay it forward.”

DJ Sid, who provided terrific music and entertainment for the 5K and Fun Fair.

Suvarna Studio, who generously provided pro-bono photography for the event.

Our 5K sponsors ($500+):

Would you like to contribute to our mission? This event may have passed, but the need for generosity continues. Donate today to make a difference in India’s poorest communities.

I WANT TO HELP

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The race will take place at Overpeck County Park, Ridgefield Park, NJ on a USA Track & Field-certified course. On-site check-in begins at 9 a.m., and the race start time is 10:30 a.m.

This event is open to all ages, though registration must be completed online by an adult (18+). Runners/walkers age 8 and up are invited to register for the 5K, while children 7 and under (and their chaperones) are welcome to participate in the 1K KIDS Walk/Run that will be held at 10 a.m. at the same location.

Registration fees for participants are $30 (ages 13 and up) and $15 (ages 8-12). Children age 7 and under may register for free. Each participant will receive a t-shirt, which will be provided the day of the event. Prizes will be given to the fastest runners and to all children who participate in the 1K KIDS Walk/Run.

At the time of registration, participants are asked to choose one of four teams to support:

• Team Victory: to defeat child sexual abuse
• Team Happy Feet: to deliver critical healthcare to remote regions
• Team School: to keep marginalized youth in school, and provide scholarships for promising college students
• Team Hope: to help families escape the cycle of poverty by benefiting ALL of the above causes

Once registered, participants will receive email confirmations and tips for setting up personalized fundraising pages to share with family, friends, and social networks. Those who are interested in supporting the event — but are unable to participate as runners/walkers — are invited to contribute as volunteers, sponsors, or donors. A full list of opportunities is available at the online registration site.

The post You’re Invited to Share & Care’s Second Make a Difference 5K Walk/Run on June 15, 2019 appeared first on Share & Care Foundation.

Share & Care Foundation held its inaugural Make a Difference 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, May 19, 2018, at Overpeck County Park in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey. The event raised over $70,000 for our programs to empower rural India with opportunities for gender equality, healthcare, education, and sanitation and hygiene.

VIEW PHOTOS

More than 340 people ages 1 to 80 participated in the event, which also included a 1K KIDS Walk/Run, yoga and other wellness activities, and a charity drive benefiting two local nonprofits. Attendees received complimentary T-shirts, and each child who participated in the 1K KIDS Walk/Run received a medal. In a sentimental exchange between a Share & Care member and two young attendees — Mishka Varaiya (age 6) and Aarya Shah (age 5) — the girls said it was “the best day” of their lives.

After the main event, the top runners in each category were honored during an awards ceremony. Congratulations to the following winners:

VIEW FULL RESULTS

“This is perhaps one of the most unique events held under the Share & Care banner in a long time,” says Victor Gurunathan, a member of Share & Care’s Board of Trustees. “The 5K has clearly emerged as a platform to usher in the much-needed participation of a younger generation of volunteers who can carry our mission into the future. Kudos to Share & Care Foundation members Shreya Mehta, Vipul Shah, Saumil Parikh, and their wonderful team of volunteers who worked tirelessly to pull off this joyous event with clinical precision, even under inclement weather.”

“The goal of any event organized by a nonprofit organization is always twofold,” Gurunathan explains. “One is to generate funds to support its causes and the other, no less important, is to propagate awareness of its purpose to many with the hope they will be fans and benefactors. The 5K has amply succeeded in both respects, which was clearly demonstrated by the huge number of registrants and participants along with the funds raised.”

The entire Share & Care team would like to express our sincere gratitude to the 45 volunteers and 30 sponsors who contributed time, energy, funds, and in-kind donations to make this event possible. Because of their help, and because of the support of everyone who attended despite rain and cloudy skies, the Make a Difference 5K Walk/Run accomplished what it was designed to do — make a positive difference for marginalized women, children, and families in rural India.

Anyone interested in volunteering at future events or becoming an ambassador for Share & Care in their own community (e.g., at a high school or university) is invited to contact Administrative and Operations Director Tejal Parekh at (201) 262-7599 or via email at tparekh@shareandcare.org.

Would you like to contribute to our mission? This event may have passed, but the need for generosity continues. Donate today to make a difference in India’s poorest communities.

I WANT TO HELP

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Worldwide, the global day of giving broke records. Here at Share & Care, we were eagerly refreshing our #GivingTuesday goal-meter and, sometime around 8:30, we made it! But you didn’t stop, by midnight we were at 157% of goal!

More About #GivingTuesday

New York City’s 92nd Street Y launched Giving Tuesday in 2012 and, together with the United Nations Foundation, was designated as the 24-hour period among Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Thanksgiving, and the upcoming holidays for consumers to encourage each other — through social media — to donate their time, talents, or money to a cause or organization of their choice. This year, there were 98 nations involved, who together made $1.6 million in contributions (or an average of $108). 

Each year, Giving Tuesday is held on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, which is also the day after Cyber Monday, the day dedicated to online sales and discounts to kickoff the Christmas selling season. Mark your calendar, Share & Care will again participate in this global day of working together for others: Tuesday, November 28, 2017.

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