Stamford, CT: The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin–Connecticut Chapter (GOPIO-CT) organized a successful fundraiser at its Annual Holiday Party on December 7, raising $5,000 in support of Person to Person, a respected charitable organization based in Darien, with branches in Stamford and Norwalk.
Guided by its vision of “thriving, hunger-free homes,” Person to Person assists families and individuals on their path to stability by providing healthy food, clothing, housing assistance, and access to economic opportunity.
The Annual Holiday Party brought together community leaders, elected officials, and GOPIO members for an evening that included the swearing-in of GOPIO-CT’s newly elected leadership team, live entertainment, and dinner. The program opened with a universal prayer led by GOPIO-CT Secretary Sonali Gannu.
Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling served as Chief Guest. Other dignitaries in attendance included Connecticut State Senator Prof. Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox and Connecticut Assemblyman Corey Paris. Mayor Rilling noted that during his tenure as Mayor, Indian Americans have made remarkable contributions to the City of Norwalk.
Assemblyman Corey Paris, who also serves as Chief Philanthropy Officer and Strategy Officer at Person to Person, thanked GOPIO-CT for its continued support of the organization and its mission.
Lana Gifas, Executive Director of Women’s Mentoring Network, remarked, “GOPIO has always been supportive of our program in Stamford, which focuses on economic empowerment for single women and their families through employment and educational opportunities.”
State Senator Prof. Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, Associate Professor of Legal Studies at Quinnipiac University, commended GOPIO-CT for its service-oriented initiatives that benefit the broader community.
The highlight of the evening was the oath-taking ceremony for the newly elected GOPIO-CT leadership team. Mahesh Jhangiani was unanimously re-elected as President.
