The SV24 Gala, held on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at the Crowne Plaza in Palo Alto, was an evening to remember. Over 300 distinguished guests, many of whom have been long-time supporters of the Foundation For Excellence (FFE), gathered with a common mission—to uplift the education of underprivileged students in India. The event saw the participation of some of the most successful individuals from the Bay Area, all united by their commitment to making a difference in the lives of bright young students.
The evening kicked off with a mesmerizing performance by the InSync Kathak Troupe, captivating the audience with their enchanting dance. Our ever-engaging emcee, comedian Jeff Applebaum, kept the audience entertained with his witty anecdotes, adding a delightful charm to the evening. Saxophonist Ramesh Maraj filled the air with the soulful melodies of Kishore Kumar’s evergreen hits, while Raj Shah, one of our board members, joined in on the harmonica, making the musical experience even more special.
One of the highlights of the night was the touching presentation by Sudha Kidao and Ram Kolavennu, who took the audience on a nostalgic journey through FFE’s 30-year history. Their presentation featured clips from the recent 30th-anniversary celebrations in Bangalore, showcasing the incredible impact FFE has made over the years.
Three FFE alumni—Dr. Somedev Ball, Rashmi Bhatt, and Vinodhini Duraisamy—took the stage to share their inspiring journeys. Vinodhini’s story, in particular, moved many in the audience, and it showed in the fundraising results, as several donors doubled their contributions after hearing her heart-touching experience.
Founder Prabhu Goel delivered a powerful keynote speech, reflecting on the vision and journey that shaped FFE into what it is today. He expressed deep gratitude to everyone who has supported FFE’s growth, emphasizing the critical role each donor has played in the organization’s success.
In a special fundraising session led by Venk Shukla, our generous donors pledged over $650K, with one anonymous donor contributing an extraordinary $100K. This outpouring of support is a testament to the belief in FFE’s mission and the transformative power of education.
The Gala wasn’t just about fundraising; it was about celebrating the essence of FFE—thanking our donors, showcasing the life-changing impact of their contributions, and inspiring new donors to join this remarkable journey. The evening was also made memorable with a step-and-repeat banner for guests to take photographs. Photographer Emily ensured that these snapshots became keepsakes for our donors to remember the evening.