Narika, a non-profit dedicated to supporting the self-empowerment of survivors of domestic violence, invites Bay Area residents to attend their 26th fundraising gala event on Sunday September 16, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. at the Blackhawk Auto Museum in Danville, CA.
Attendees can buy tickets at https://narikagala.brownpapertickets.com.
The funds raised at the event will go toward Narika’s programs to benefit victims and survivors of domestic violence and its continued efforts to advance awareness about the harmful and cascading effects of domestic violence.
In a typical month, Narika directly serves its clients by providing groceries, transportation, childcare, temporary stay options, career counseling sessions, legal advocacy for separation and immigration as well as tuition for professional courses. Additionally, through the Self-Empowerment and Economic Development (SEED) and Health, Enrichment and Access to Life Skills (HEAL) programs and other initiatives, Narika opens up pathways to economic independence for survivors.
“This is our 26th year serving the needs of women who experience familial violence within South Asian communities in the Bay Area. This year we’ve launched our HEAL program, and continued to increase participation in our programs,” said Anitha Chakravarti, President of the Board of Narika. “With the slate of soulful entertainment, great food, and a colorful festival theme, we anticipate an unforgettable gala experience this year, too.”
This year’s gala entertainment headliner is Devika Chawla, a contemporary Sufi-Indian performer, who is best known for her sound tracks in Barbara Mori’s movie Spanish Beauty and the Pakistani movie Josh. She is the first Indian vocalist to be featured on Apple’s iMovie in the Bollywood trailer. Devika is a consummate performer with a beautiful textural voice that delivers a blend of old-world classicism and contemporary soul.
There will be a live auction with exciting prizes including getaway vacation packages to the Canadian Rockies, Cancun and Monterey.
About Narika
In 1992, a group of four socially conscious women identified the need for domestic violence services in the local communities of the Bay Area. The founders began engaging victims as sisters rather than clients, providing assistance in several different languages. They named the organization Narika, meaning woman in Hindi. Over the years, the need for services in the South Asian community has expanded. In a study of 208 South Asian women in 2006, one in five reported having experienced physical and/or sexual violence by their intimate partner. In 2017, Narika fielded over 1,500 calls and emails to the Helpline and this number continues to grow. Narika works hard to meet and empower the needs of this population. For more information or to register or donate online, please visit narika.org.