Metropolitan Asian Family Services holds ‘Mini Fundraiser’

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In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS) hosted a culturally diverse and service-driven Mini Fundraiser 2025 at the International University of Vedic Wellness (IUVW) campus in Streamwood, Illinois. More than five hundred people attended the celebration which highlighted the spirit of immigrant community services, contributions, and resilience, a press release from MAFS said.

The event was inaugurated with a Diya lightening ceremony by Dr. Santosh Kumar, the Executive Director, MAFS, Mary Killough, the President of IDoA, Raees Yawer, Streamwood Park District Commissioner, Dr. Rakesh Asthana, Vice President, MAFS, Dr. Monali Desai, Board member, MAFS, Dr. Abhimanyu Kumar, Vice President, IUVW, Promila Mehta, one of the pillars of MAFS, poets and writers Mrs. Rachana Srivastava & Dr. Avinash Srivastava, and Shubhra Ojha.

A traditional Ganesh Vandana praising Lord Ganesha was conducted. Neil Khot, president and CEO, Rely Services, and Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison, were honored.

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Dr. Santosh Kumar reaffirmed the mission of MAFS to integrate immigrant communities into American society through services that support aging with dignity, promoting a culturally tailored atmosphere to improve seniors’ quality of life.

She welcomed those present and highlighted the  of role keynote speaker Mary Killough, and credited the IDoA for the existence of UMAS/MAFS. She encouraged Asians to celebrate their achievements in diverse fields of science, technology, medicine, and business.

Dr. Kumar asked the audience to brace themselves for an unbelievable performance by seniors in their seventies, eighties, or even ninety-year-olds, who are often considered as furniture without a purpose. She praised those involved in organizing the event efficiently.

Killough, director of the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA), addressed attendees with a call to protect funding for senior services under the Older Americans Act. She emphasized the urgent need for bipartisan support to sustain critical programs that uplift the state’s most vulnerable populations of elderly seniors.

Knot was complimented and blessed for his Congressional aspirations by Dr. Kumar.

Roshita Pandey, Grants Director of MAFS, updated the audience on the current situation of funding and the proposed cuts in programs and services by the current administration. She urged the community to demonstrate the true immigrant spirit and resilience and come together to strongly protect the Older Americans Act- the funding lifeline of senior services across the nation.

The organization also honored several dedicated MAFS pillars and team members who have selflessly served for over two decades. Among them, Promila Mehta was especially acknowledged for her steadfast commitment and loyalty to the community center for more than twenty years. Everyone praised Dr. Kumar’s continuous and unwavering dedication for over three decades to MAFS. And her generous donation at this gala was noteworthy as well.

Commissioner Morrison thanked everyone for supporting MAFS, which is providing crucial services for the seniors to thrive. He wished Happy Mother’s Day in Gujarati to all women present. He talked about his achievement in expanding language access in Cook County from four languages to twelve, including Gujarati, Urdu, and Arabic- a big benefit for Gujarati residents who can now avail services in their native tongue. He pledged to support MAFS programs even in the future, expressing deep gratitude to the organization.

The event also featured colorful dance performances by seniors from various MAFS sites, as well as poignant poetry and musical performances by Rachna Srivastava and Dr. Avinash Srivastava, who flew in from California to entertain everyone.

Rachana Srivastava’s book, “Swarit Swar Anvi Pothi,” and  Shubhra Ojha’s book “Akhiri Chai” were launched and presented to honorary guests. Rachna Shrivastav donated her book proceeds to the senior center.

Dr. Rakesh Asthana, MAFS Board President, reflected on the power of giving support to the community organization and appealed for donations at the event.

For more information about MAFS services or to contribute to future initiatives, contact +1-847-306-7606 or visit www.mafsinc.com.

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