Lawrence Mascarenhas
Pics: Vissia D'Souza

Chicago, Jun 28: The Mangalorean Konkan Christian Association (MKCA), Chicago organized a fund raiser 'Seeds of Hope - 2016' – a charity event to support Shubhada (A Short Stay Home for the Women in distress), a human service project run by the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany, in Mangaluru, India.

The project's main objective is to help women and girls who have been victimized in the society by way of molestation, violence, sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment; irrespective of caste, creed or their religious belief. Though the efforts are being made to reduce the atrocities against the women, the society has not fully risen to the welfare of the women and girls.

All women executive committee of MKCA under the dynamic leadership of president Vissia D'Souza with the support of Fr Richie Vaz, SVD and with strong collaboration of members from MKCA and friends turned fund raiser event into a friend raiser event. The atmosphere was thrilling and awesome with Bro Carl Gales SVD compeering the programme with his wit and humour.

The programme commenced by Vissia D’Souza welcoming the guests and enlightening them on the philanthropic service rendered by the Bethany Sisters of Shubhada to women and girls of the society in Mangaluru-India. The Bharata Natyam and Bollywood dances organized by Queenie Mendonca and performed by the students of Soorya dance school captured the hearts of the audience, leaving everyone awestruck. The dancers received a great applause and praise from the audience.

There were two generous donors ;Sun Set Foods' who provided for the event with variety of appetizers and yummy food; Gordon Food services with plentiful ice cream and beverages. There were variety of games, housie-housie and draw of raffle tickets. There was so much of excitement and fun all through the programme.

Then it was a time for big raffle draw. The three winners of the raffle draw bigheartedly donated the prize money to the charity.

The climax of the programme was winning new friends for the Mission of MKCA. 'Seeds of Hope', an evening of amusement, fun and entertainment came to a happy ending with Queenie Mendonca, secretary of MKCA thanking in a big way Sunset Foods, Northbrook and Gordon Food Services (GFS) for donating the food for a worthy cause. She expressed profound appreciation to the Management and Staff of Divine Word Mission Center for their support and cooperation in subsidizing this event and in turn contributing to the noble cause. She in particular thanked Rev.Fr. Richie Vaz, SVD and all the Novices of Divine Word Society, Techny who served as ushers and for their support in conducting this event. Queenie specially thanked Jossie Mendonca and Stany D'Souza, the Chairpersons of the event for organizing and coordinating the entire fund-raising project.