Fundraising Dinner Success

Thank you to everyone who came out in support of Bhaktivedanta Academy by attending our recent fundraising dinner. I have received so many positive comments about the decorations, meal, and entertainment from those that attended. It certainly appears that we achieved our aim of providing a wonderful experience for all.

As we discussed that night, so much has been done to bring Krishna and Balaram to New Raman Reti, but it is necessary to start making investments today to ensure that there will be a corp of devotees eager and qualified to care for Them well into the future. Due to the enthusiastic response to our appeal, we raised $17,611 toward the Bhaktivedanta Academy Scholarship Fund! I am truly grateful for the outpouring of goodwill demonstrated by our guests. The financial contributions made confirm that Bhaktivedanta Academy has an important role to play in the care and growth of Krishna and Balarama's young devotees.

This outcome would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of so many people who came together for the benefit of the school. I want to especially thank some special individuals, who made significant contributions to the success of the event:

Advaita Acharya & Sarad Bihari Singh - Advaita Acharya & Sarad Bihari's endorsement of Bhaktivedanta Academy and major financial contribution set the tone for our fundraising appeal and enthused many others to follow their lead.

Adi-Gopi Kohair - Adi-Gopi made all the arrangements for the great group of entertainers who performed at the dinner and was always willing and able to jump in and take care of all the little things necessary to execute a big event.

Jahnava Hausner - With her sophistication and persuasiveness, Jahnava took on the meal planning and enlisted some of the best cooks and bakers in our community to produce an absolutely amazing feast.

Padmakshi Sutherland - Padi recruited and managed an army of servers that skillfully waited on 150 guests. I can think of no one else who could have pulled this off so gracefully.

Pattrajni Pugliese - I knew that when Pattrajni agreed to head up decorations that the Alachua Women's Club was going to look great, but she completely outdid herself by transforming it into a place of beauty.

Mahakirti Kopecky - Mahakirti's easy-going nature and technical skill ensured that all the sound, light, and video worked perfectly.

Radhika Rani Fitch - Radhika's persistence and kind nature on the phone following-up with our guests ensured that we had a packed house and her attention to detail guaranteed that nothing fell through the cracks.

Sabrina Dobbins - Sabrina personally contributed to print beautiful invitations and oversaw the guest reception.

I also want to thank Jaya Govardhana and Lalita-Sakhi for sponsoring child care; Param, Yadu, Bhagavan, and Ananga-Manjari for setting-up and breaking down. I also want to offer a special thanks to my wonderful wife, Vrindavanesvari, and our children for supporting me as I spent many hours away from them to prepare for the event.

It is truly inspiring to be part of the Bhaktivedanta Academy community of parents and supporters. If we keep working together in this way, there is no limit to what we can accomplish!

Thank you all for your continued encouragement and support.