Rotary Club of Plainsboro, North and South Brunswick, NJ, holds fundraiser

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The Rotary Club of Plainsboro, North and South Brunswick – RCOP, held their annual fundraiser Gala May 19, 2023, at Royal Albert’s Palace in Fords, NJ.

More than 300 people attended the event including local elected officials, business entrepreneurs, supporters and members of Rotary Club, a press release from organizers said.

Seven individuals were recognized for their community service, public service and philanthropic service at Royal Albert’s Palace in New Jersey.

Established in 2002, RCOP, has been helping communities both at a local level and internationally for many humanitarian projects, the press release said.

Time for networking preceded the singing of American national anthem and reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance by Sia Dixit.  The RCOP President Vijay Garg welcomed everyone and provided brief summary of accomplishments over the year gone by.

President of Interact Club of North Brunswick Sudharani Kankanala and Aruhi Vakkalagadda, showcased Rotary and interact projects, local and international, organized by Rotary Club of Plainsboro, North and South Brunswick.

Edison Mayor Sam Joshi, Middlesex County Commissioner Shanti Narra, New Jersey State Assemblywoman for 16^th District Sadaf Jaffer were among the elected officials at the event. They expressed their appreciation and congratulated Rotary Club for their community engagement and selfless service.

Two distinguished elected officials, County Commissioner Shanti Narra, and Councilman of North Brunswick Rajesh Mehta, were recognized for their outstanding public service.

Assemblywoman Jaffer read the NJ State Senate Proclamation issued by NJ State Senator Vin Gopal from the 11^th District, which was presented to RCOP President Vijay Garg in the absence of Senator Gopal.

There were five individuals recognized for their outstanding community service and philanthropic work and humanitarian efforts – Bina Mehta for her outstanding efforts in providing assistance for the earthquake relief in Turkey and Syria; Amar Reddy of SmartIMS; and Vinay Mahajan of ITServe Alliance.   Thomas V. Allen and Govind Rajan were also recognized for their outstanding community service and philanthropic work.

Organizers said the funds raised during the gala event will support international projects to fight against chronic diseases, provide clean water, sanitation and hygiene, save mothers and children, provide education to underprivileged, grow local economies, protect the environment and support communities during natural disasters.

The Rotary Club also help local townships food pantries, provides scholarships to high school students, develops youth job skills, provides leadership to youth and many other community projects.

The entertainment included a Kuchipudi Ganesh dance by choreographer Tarika Yellula, classical dance by Grishma Parikh, a Bollywood dance performance by Tarika and Bhuvan of TARA Arts Academy.

A fashion show to display Khadi outfits and promote khadi was choreographed by Sonal Gadhvi.

The talented local singers included 10-year-old Priyasha Sanyal, Lipika Jena and Harshitha Yarralagadda.

Incoming President Venkat Jagarlamudi extended his appreciation in the concluding ceremony. The master of ceremonies was Kunal Mehta of RCOP.