CRY America raised $1.4 million at its 2025 Gala series held across six cities. The events, featuring renowned Indian actress Shabana Azmi, drew support from the Indian diaspora for CRY’s grassroots programs that empower children.
The galas, held in San Diego, the Bay Area, and Seattle, featured cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment, dinner, and dancing. An online auction with paintings donated by Indian artists, designer outfits, and jewelry added to the fundraising efforts.
Azmi urged guests to support CRY’s work, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to transformative change in children’s lives. “It is our duty as a society to support credible organizations like CRY,” she said.
CRY America highlighted the impact of its programs, citing stories like that of Kalpana, a young girl who was pulled out of school to work as a vegetable seller to support her family. With the help of CRY’s Project PORD, she was able to return to school and eventually become an engineer.
Patrick Bocco, CRY America’s Fundraising Director, emphasized the “multiplier effect” of these programs, noting their ability to lift entire communities out of poverty. The galas featured prominent speakers, including Nakul Duggal, Qualcomm’s Group General Manager in San Diego, and MR Rangaswami, founder of Indiaspora in the Bay Area. Both stressed the importance of the Indian diaspora’s role in supporting organizations like CRY.
CRY America expressed gratitude for the support of its event sponsors, including Parikh Worldwide Media, TV Asia, Dallas Venture Capital, MSR Communities, Morgan Stanley, Allstate Foundation, and Alice, Minx Events.
This text was edited with the assistance of an AI tool, and has been reviewed and edited for accuracy and clarity by India Currents.