2016 Annual Fundraiser

The evening showcased multi-cultural Colombian & Polish dances by Tierra Colombiana, Polish Ensembles and Indian semi-classical by Madhura Sane of Nritya Natya Kala Academy. The live orchestra set the evening with old Mukesh Melodies by Sanket Patel Group. The event was well-attended by dignitaries from the state and community leaders and headed by Mrs. Santosh Kumar, Executive Director Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS).

This year’s MAFS fundraiser was organized as a tribute to Late Mr. Pramod Kumar, Treasurer, and supporter of MAFS. The objective of raising funds was to fill in the gaps from state funding to continue to provide services our seniors.

The keynote speaker, Jean Bohnhoff, Director-Illinois Department on Aging shared the state’s vision and goals for senior care for the next fiscal year. She also paid tribute to Mr. Kumar appreciating his professionalism and hard work that contributed to the expansion of Universal Industries, Universal Metro Asian Services, and MAFS. A brief report was presented on MAFS programs by Connie Dogaru, Public Benefits Specialist-MAFS and Awilda Gonzalez, CCP Program Manager-UMAS.

Mrs. Santosh Kumar, Executive Director-MAFS while remembering her late husband Mr. Pramod Kumar said, “He was a kind man who touched many lives, and his loss can never be filled.” Her sons Prashant & Sagar Kumar have joined the family business, and they will be a pillar of support for her. The evening commenced with traditional deep lighting and prayers by Swami Mukudananda Ji of Bharat Sevashram, along with the board of directors and community leaders. Dr. Jafri, President MAFS, welcomed everyone and gave a heartfelt tribute to Mr. Kumar.

Many other dignitaries and community leaders shared their sentiments and paid tribute to Mr. Kumar. The Master of Ceremonies were Jyotsna Vasudeva, Marketing Director-UMAS and Alka Sharma, Channel Head & RJ. They both hosted the event beautifully – introducing the speakers & dignitaries, creating excitement over donation checks, raffles, auction tickets, and kept the show moving smoothly at a steady pace while keeping the audience enthralled. Among the attending dignitaries were Mayor of Oak Brook, Gopal Lalmalani; State representative from Aurora, Stephanie Kifowit; Candidate for Congressman from 8th District, Raja Krishnamoorthi; Cook County Commissioner, Edward Moody (represented by his brother Fred Moody); Director-Department on Aging, Jean Bohnhoff; CLESE Executive Director, Marta Pereyra; Trustee-Township of Schaumburg, Nimish Jani; Chairman for the Naperville Indian-American Outreach, Krishna Bansal; Candidate-Dupage Recorder of Deeds, Moon Khan; Chairman AMUAA, Ateeq Ahmed; Board Member AMUAA, Atia Ushman; Dr. Aasifa Kansari; Midwest Manager for Air India-Nakul Singh Chand; Owner-Patel Brothers, Mafatlal Patel, and the MAFS Board of Directors.

Air India sponsored two economy class tickets to be auctioned at the event in support of MAFS fundraiser. MAFS also received support from its other major sponsors – Wintrust Bank, Medstar Laboratory, Mode Architects, Steeplechase, Healthcare Solutions, Dupage Dental Clinic.