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Houston Charity Gets New Focus

Arthur J Pais in Houston

Vijay Goradia, one of the top Indian entrepreneurs in the South, is involved in more than a dozen charities; Pratham, the one he holds passionately to his heart, involves educating slum children across India.

Last year, when the Indian American community in Greater Houston raised about $ 125,000 mostly by holding a gala attended by about 150 families, Goradia matched the amount. And this year, as yet another donation drive is on its way, Goradia would love to see last year's numbers seem small compared to this year's collection.

Goradia is the founder and head honcho of Vinmar International, a petrochemical trading company, which grossed over $ 500 million last year.

Goradia, who spearheaded last year's drive and is heading the current drive, feels that Pratham offers unique opportunity for second and third generation Indian American youth to get involved in worthy projects set in India.

Apart from the benefit gala, this year the organizers are setting up a student wing to energize the charity drive. 'Students Helping Students' is the theme of this year's drive. Though the drive is based in Houston, the organizers would love to network with students and community leaders across the country to boost the funds.

Advertisements in local ethnic publications for Pratham proclaim: $ 6.05 - One afternoon snack for an Indo-American kid. $6.05 - One year's tuition for a street urchin in Mumbai.

The organizers urge the students to check the website -- www.pratham.org -- to know more about the programs in India. "If convinced about Pratham, they could start helping the drive by donating dollars equal to their age," says Yogi Patel.

They could also persuade their peers, parents and relatives to donate. There could be hundreds of "Pratham families" across America, Patel feels. If in the next few weeks, 3,000 Pratham families are created, the organizers hope they can raise more than $ 200,000. With money coming from gala, and donation from Goradia, this year's drive could gross over $ 500,000. Students could also seek donations from their non-Indian friends and contacts.

The organizers of Pratham say they have been inspired by the fund-raising techniques of Jerry's Kids for Muscular Dystrophy.

The Indian American kids will not only get the satisfaction of helping fellow Indians thousands of miles away but will also get to appreciate the educational opportunities available in America even to the poorest children, the organizers say.

For more information, contact Yogi Patel, (281) 980-3947, Vijay Goradia, (281) 618-1300.

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