NEW YORK: CRY, Child Rights and You America Inc (CRY America), a 501c3 non-profit that works to restore the rights of underprivileged children, especially in India, hosted its annual gala dinner ‘Pledge 2014’ on November 7, at the Taj Pierre in New York.  

Over 12 years, CRY America’s work with 70 Projects has resulted in 324,368 children enrolled in schools, 9,519 children freed from child labor, 177,814 children immunized, 95,444 births registered, 358 public healthcare centers strengthened and 501 villages free from child labor.

Speaking at Pledge 2014, Shefali Sunderlal, President of CRY America shared, “All children have dreams and aspirations. However, obstacles such as malnutrition, child labor, child marriage and lack of education destroy their childhood. CRY America has given wings to the dreams of 450,832 children by ensuring education, healthcare, nutrition and protection from exploitation. This achievement has been possible only because of the support received from 20,000 generous donors and 2,000 committed volunteers." 

Pledge 2014 was attended by over 100 high net worth guests from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, who came together to partner CRY America’s work to benefit underprivileged children, including prominent personalities Madhur Mittal, Vipp Jaswal, Dr. Roshini Raj, Scarlett Pildes, Shikha & Mohit Bhatia, Anita & Ajay Agarwal, Maureen & Gerard Devas, Rishikant Singh, John Phillip and Rajeev Bhambri.

 Paintings donated by famous Indian artists, Late Badri Narayan, Prakash Deshmukh, Anu Kulkarni and Dattatraya Thombare. Cricket bat autographed by former Indian Captain Sourav Ganguly, Jewelry donated by Surat Diamonds and a Beatles Album autographed by Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, among other items were auctioned at the event by Priyanka Mathew, Head of Sales & Vice President of Contemporary South Asian Art at Sotheby's.

Madhur Mittal, Indian actor from Slumdog Millionaire & Million Dollar Arm felt that it is time to give children their due. Recalling his experience of working with children in the slums of Mumbai, he said, “You can unlock the potential of children when they are given a chance. Education plays a key role in the development of children and goes a long way in giving them the platform to realize their potential.”

Vipp Jaswal, Head of International Affairs, Fox News urged people to support the cause by sharing, “Most of us are lucky to have received the education and healthcare that has resulted in us being successful today. It is important for us to support organizations like CRY that ensures children have better opportunities to succeed in life.”

Also present at the event, Dr Roshini Raj, Physician at NYU Medical Center and founder of TULA skin care; feels that, “A healthy start in life goes a long way in setting a strong foundation for children. We cannot let lack of awareness or access to healthcare be a deterrent in a girl’s life.”

Sunderlal appealed for people to join CRY America as donors, volunteers and supporters and visit www.america.cry.org for more information.

CRY America would like to thank it's media partners Star TV, TV Asia, India Abroad, Indian Panorama, Mera Sangeet and its event sponsors Air India, Stratus, Nanak Foods, Taj Pierre, NetIP, Garnet Constructions, Deep Foods, Sukhadia Catering, Quality Sweets, Sajawat Decorators, Babu Kundu New York Life, Sardar Patel Foundation, Sufi Wines and Amrita Singh Jewelry for their support. Our thanks also goes out to our New York and New Jersey Chapter Volunteers, Photographer Ravi Bhatia, DJ Suren, Yaadein Events, One Stop Framing Shop, AHA Designs and the Mall at Oak Tree!

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