HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR 2024 GALA
On September 27, 2024 TAARA hosted its Annual Gala at the Envue Hotel in Weehawken, NJ, uniting a diverse community to celebrate our milestones and honor individuals who have made exceptional contributions to our mission.
Elegant Affairs once again surpassed all expectations, meticulously orchestrating every detail of the decor, against the breathtaking backdrop of the NYC skyline. The vibrant floral arrangements, generously donated by Meenakshi Lala of Urban Stems, added a lively touch, while D&S Event Solutions crafted an unforgettable atmosphere. Shout elevated the experience with a stunning dance floor wrap, and the evening was flawlessly complemented by the exquisite cuisine of Chef Vipul from Round Table Hospitality. A special thanks to Mr.Paanwala for his delightful contribution, adding the perfect finishing touch to the culinary experience.
We are grateful to Shawls by Sonika for the thoughtful donation of Pashmina shawls, keeping our guests warm on the perfect fall evening. As the night unfolded, DJ AJ’s rhythmic beats energized the crowd, creating an unforgettable atmosphere that kept everyone dancing till the end.
Of course, our evening’s emcee, Manish Israni, delivered a phenomenal performance as always, captivating the audience and ensuring the seamless flow of the evening.
Nikki Badalato, was awarded the Excellence in Achievement Award, for her extraordinary service to our shared cause; Korina Crusan, with the Excellence in Inspiration Award, for her impact in the fight against sex trafficking.
Karuna Chani, was awarded the Guiding Light Award, for her invaluable mentorship to our survivor, Renata*, who herself received the Excellence in Inspiration Award.
The evening not only provided a platform for acknowledgment but also served as a vital means to raise awareness, and funds for the empowerment of sex trafficking survivors both in India and the USA, along with the expansion of our awareness curriculum both in India and the USA. The attendees’ support and generosity were evident as Master Auctioneer Harry Santa, once again, adeptly tapped into the benevolent spirit of the audience, resulting in raising over $600,000.
The highlight of the evening was the highly anticipated unveiling of “TAARA Didi”—a groundbreaking initiative in our mission to protect children from online dangers. This engaging and vibrant animated film is designed to deliver essential online safety messages to children in India.
We are excited to continue expanding this initiative, with plans to develop more animations, including one tailored for children in the USA, all made possible thanks to your generous donations.
If you missed the reveal, watch the video and share it to help spread awareness about this crucial cause.
And lastly, a big thank you to Inktricate Designs, who generously donated the printing of our ad journal again this year. In case you missed it, please make sure to explore the e-journal.
To revisit the highlights of the evening, we encourage you to explore the photo album from the event, beautifully captured through the generosity of Knotting Bells.