Close to $30,000 was raised during Seva Foundation's inaugural fundraising gala in Surrey on Saturday, Nov. 2.
The "Casino Royale"-themed event was held at Newton's Empress Palace Ballroom, where more than 400 people gathered for an evening of glitz, glamour and giving back to the community.
Guests supported the foundation's community initiatives during a night filled with entertainment including an Elvis tribute show, casino-style games and charitable auctions.
The gala raised significant funds to fuel Seva Foundation's community-driven projects done in the spirit of "seva," or selfless service.
The foundation's roots are at Seva Thrift Store, opened on Scott Road eight years ago with a concept to repurpose, recycle and reuse Indian clothing.
"Over the years," said Raj Arneja, event organizer and Seva Foundation fundraiser, "we have helped so many women come into the workforce, for older widows giving them a new lease and now love volunteering at Seva. Finally we became a charity, the Seva Foundation.
"Our initiative now is to raise critical funds and advance our goals to establish and advocate for programming and services aimed at addressing health inequities experienced by women from marginalized groups, with a focus on immigrants and refugees."
