IDFUSA ‘ORG (International Development Foundation) Annual Charity Event Highlights Compassion-Led Projects, Global Partnerships, and Scalable Social Impact

Chicago, IL: The IDFUSA ‘ORG Annual Fundraising Charity Event, held at the Fairfield by Marriott, Schaumburg, brought together diplomats, elected leaders, philanthropists, business leaders, medical professionals, and social impact advocates for an evening dedicated to service, partnership, and measurable community impact.

The event showcased charitable initiatives focused on uplifting vulnerable communities and advancing sustainable development through practical, compassion-driven action. It also reinforced IDFUSA ‘ORG growing role as a bridge between institutions, communities, and nations committed to meaningful social change.

The evening was honored by the presence of Mr. Somnath Ghosh, Consul General of India, and Hon. Sarah Achieng Opendi, Member of Parliament, Uganda, who attended as Chief Guests. Mr. Jayakumar Nair, Delhi State Co-Convener, BJP South Indian Cell, joined as Special Invitee.

The event was further distinguished by the presence of Mr. Mafat Patel, Co-founder of Patel Brothers, and Dr. Bharat H. Barai, MD, leading oncologist. Prominent personalities and community leaders including Mr. Keerthi Kumar, Mr. Ajeet Singh, Hitesh Gandhi, Mr. Raju Pasumarthi, and Mr. Vijender Doma added further strength and visibility to the occasion.

A central focus of the evening was the growing collaboration between both IDFUSA ‘ORG and CET Foundation for impactful projects in India, alongside emerging strategic planning for Uganda. The discussions underscored how partnerships rooted in compassion, accountability, and sustainability can create scalable models in education, nutrition, women’s dignity, livelihoods, and grassroots empowerment.

Ms. Anjali Mohanty reflected on attending CSW70 at the United Nations, where IDFUSA ‘ORG and CET Foundation hosted the parallel event on “Women and Green Jobs” — the second such event hosted by IDFUSA ‘ORG in the last two years. She described it as a meaningful conversation on women, sustainability, and the future of communities. She recalled the moving opening by Ms. Sana Rupani, and the powerful sense of unity created by “We Shall Overcome” and “Hum Honge Kamyab.” She also appreciated the moderation of Mr. Aunali Rupani, whose questions expanded the dialogue from green jobs to a broader vision: making every job greener.

Anjali highlighted the perspectives of Ms. Nikita Khosla of the American India Foundation, who emphasized that sustainability must also make economic sense for ordinary people. She also referred to the remarks of Hon. Sarah Opendi, who called for linking women’s empowerment with agriculture and tree planting, while stressing that policy must reach the grassroots to create real change. Anjali further acknowledged Hon. Flavia for her inspiring views on conservation, tourism, and women’s leadership; Dr. Radhika Srinivasan for advocating sustainability as a way of life and volunteering to support green curriculum in Ugandan schools; Ms.Emma, Program Manager of Social Capital Initiatives, for sharing examples of girls in STEM building practical solutions; and Dr. Laura Richards of the University of Manchester for underscoring the central role of women in water and sustainability decisions.

Key takeaway from the parallel event was clear: “We don’t have to find sustainable solutions; sustainability is the only solution.” Upcycling over Recycling, Green finance to support promising startups, and green curriculum in schools and colleges was emphasized as conclusive remarks.

Queenie Mendonca shared reflections on the IDFUSA ‘ORG team’s meeting at Uganda House, New York, where they engaged with senior Ugandan policymakers and representatives. She described the meeting as a recognition of work already undertaken by IDFUSA ‘ORG in Uganda, including three solar-powered borewells, pilot funding for women-led entrepreneurship, support for classrooms and toilets, and the distribution of shoes to schoolchildren. She noted that such initiatives, though simple in form, deliver dignity, clean water, education, health, and hope.

She further outlined a three-point agenda for future collaboration in Uganda: a pilot sustainable sanitary pad manufacturing plant using banana fiber, a pilot mid-day meal project based on the India model, and broader economic development ideas, including more inclusive digital systems. Her remarks reinforced the need to uplift women and children through practical collaboration between government, NGOs, and the private sector.

The evening also featured an address by Mr. Cecil Joseph, Founder & CEO, who reaffirmed the values of service, partnership, and measurable impact that define overall IDFUSA ‘ORG mission. Special appreciation was extended to Board Members John Trivedi (President), Thomas Abraham (Vice-President), and Mukesh Shah (Treasurer), along with Executive Members Annie Thomas (Medical & Counselling Advisor), Queenie (Communications Director), Anjali Mohanty (Director Of Special Initiatives & Strategic Partnerships), Ivy Joseph (Office Coordinator), Sunita Latamba (Program Planning), Nirav Shah (Chief Technology Officer - CTO) and Ameet Patil (Chief IT Advisor) for their leadership and contribution to the success of the event.

Ms. Sana Rupani and Mr. Aunali Rupani also presented the ethics, operating principles, and social impact initiatives of CompassionShip Edu-Tech Foundation in collaboration with IDFUSA ‘ORG, including Project Compassion Ship supporting 25 MBBS students from JJ Hospital, Mumbai, as well as MAA Container Kitchen, Project FemCare, Ignite STEM Passion, and Project Aashayein. These initiatives were warmly appreciated for both their thoughtful design and implementation quality.

A special segment of the evening was dedicated to recognizing distinguished trend setters and community contributors whose work continues to inspire meaningful social impact. IDFUSA ‘ORG honored notable community changemakers under the theme “Honoring Trend Setters in Our Community,” including Ms. Anu Malhotra, Mr. Sunil Shah, Mr. Harish Kolasani, and Mr. Sanjeev Palaniswami along with the Students of the Robotic Team. Their commitment, innovation, and service were warmly appreciated by the gathering, adding another meaningful dimension to an evening devoted to leadership, compassion, and community advancement.

Hon. Sarah Achieng Opendi, Member of Parliament, Uganda, graced the event as Chief Guest and warmly recalled the enduring partnership between Uganda, India, and the United States. Her gracious presence, coupled with a heartfelt musical tribute, won the admiration of everyone present. Hon. Sarah highly appreciated the meaningful contributions made by IDFUSA ‘ORG and CET Foundation over the past few years and welcomed with enthusiasm the proposed pilot sustainable sanitary pad plant and pilot mid-day meal project. She also encouraged business leaders and entrepreneurs to explore Uganda as a destination of both opportunity and unforgettable tourism.

The evening concluded as a celebration not only of generosity, but of a larger shared vision, one in which compassion is the driving force, partnerships create lasting value, and service is scaled to transform lives across India, Uganda, and beyond.