Sankara Nethralaya's Phoenix Valley Concert a Resounding Success!
Sankara Nethralaya USA celebrated a triumphant evening on November 3rd with its first-ever Telugu concert in Phoenix Valley. The event, a resounding success, brought the community together and raised an impressive $120,000 for the organization's noble mission of providing accessible eye care.
The evening commenced with heartfelt tributes to Dr. S.S. Badrinath and Ratan Tata, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to Sankara Nethralaya. Attendees were then taken on a journey through the organization's history, highlighting its growth and impact under the leadership of founder and president emeritus S.V. Acharya and current president Bala Indurthi.
A key focus of the presentation was the Mobile Eye Surgical Unit (MESU) program, which delivers vital eye care services to underserved rural communities. The organization's main centers in Chennai, Hyderabad, and Jharkhand were highlighted, along with plans for expansion to Puttaparthi and Visakhapatnam.
The evening's highlight was a mesmerizing performance by renowned music composer Mani Sharma. His captivating melodies enthralled the audience for over three hours, creating an unforgettable experience.
During the intermission, past MESU donors were recognized, and new pledges were celebrated. The overwhelming generosity of the attendees resulted in commitments for six new MESU units: four for Tamil Nadu and two for Andhra Pradesh, including a remarkable pledge to fund a unit in Tamil Nadu for 2025.
The fundraising efforts continued with a post-concert meet-and-greet at Feranghi Restaurant in Chandler, featuring an auction of Mani Sharma's signed photos. A send-off gathering in Peoria further contributed to the cause. These combined efforts raised $4,875, enough to fund 75 cataract surgeries through the MESU program.
The event's success was a testament to the collective effort of numerous individuals. Syam Appali played a vital role in promoting the event, Moorthy Rekhapalli ensured impactful visuals with banners and standees, and Theagu expertly designed the flyers. A dedicated team of volunteers, including Vamsi Krishna Eruvaram, Adi Morreddy, Srinivas Guptha, and many others, worked tirelessly to ensure a seamless and impactful event.
The overwhelming support from the community will directly translate into life-changing cataract surgeries, bringing the gift of sight to those in need. Sankara Nethralaya USA expresses its deepest gratitude to all the donors, volunteers, and attendees who made this event a resounding success. The Phoenix chapter is growing, fueled by the enthusiasm and generosity witnessed at this inspiring event.
