CHICAGO, IL (TIP): Commemorating its Silver Jubilee, Metropolitan Asian Family Services held its 25th annual fundraising dinner on November 18, 2017 at Ashyana Banquets, Downers Grove IL. The celebration started with the traditional “Deep-Lighting” performed by Swami Mukundananda of Bharat Sevashram Sangha, Aurora IL. Prominent dignitaries in attendance were Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi,  Schaumburg Trustee Nimish Jani, Philanthropist Deepak Kant Vyas, Dr. Vijay Prabhakar, Executive Director CLESE Marta Pereyra, Chairman for Indian Community Outreach Krishna Bansal,  FIA Ex-President Sunil Shah,  Chandmal Kumawat, Chairman of Manees Media, India,  Anis Ahmed, Chairman,  AMU of Greater Chicago, MAFS Board members, Dr. Firdaus Jafri, Dr. Rakesh Ashthana, Harish Kolasani, Dr. Sonal Patel, Nikunj Baxi, Sumitra Patel, James D’mello, Sagar Kumar, Sadru Noorani, Asian Coalition, and other community leaders, Narsinhbhai Patel, Dr Rasik Shah and business leaders, seniors and their families were in attendance.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi commended the MAFS team for its exemplary service to the community for 25 long years and said he wishes MAFS will continue to do so many more years in the future. Honorable Consul General of India Ms. Neeta Bhushan also congratulated MAFS for completing 25 years of serving the elderly and other immigrant populations in Chicagoland. She praised the array of services MAFS provides to the community successfully, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle appreciated the  MAFS’s commitment & dedication in serving the community and gave good wishes to continue for many more years.

Mrs. Santosh Kumar Executive Director MAFS, spoke about the long journey and the trials and tribulations they faced to come this far. She also remembered all the people past and present leaders of the community, such as  Shankerprasad  Bhatt,  Manohar Manchanda,  Ramesh Goyal, Narendra Patel, Yasmin Tiwana, Dr. Firdaus Jafri, Rosemary Gemperly, Marta Pareyra, who have helped to accomplish MAFS’s mission to educate, counsel, assist and empower immigrants to become productive member of American Society. She and her Late husband Mr. Kumar worked very hard to bring MAFS, a pioneer organization, who has changed the landscape of social services in Chicagoland area that far. She requested the community, that MAFS was created for them and want them to take care of the MAFS, a well-recognized, trusted and licensed by County, State and Federal Government. She also assured the community about MAFS’s future and presented both her sons, as future leaders, who will support its mission voluntarily. ”I believe that MAFS will grow more in the coming years, to lead the way, we already have our future leaders- energetic, technically savvy and competent in management skills”, She said. Under this new leadership, MAFS is now better positioned to find new resources to seeks solutions of ever growing problems and appeals the community to support its mission wholeheartedly. She also thanked its sponsors, Dr. Jafri, Board president, board members, MAFS/UMAS staff, Media, Mr. Prashant Shah of India Tribune, Ramesh Soparwala of India Post, Vandana Jhingran, TV Asia and Suresh Bodiwala, Asian Media, USA, Mr. Jain of Ashyana., Kushal Bose, Madhura Sane, Bhupender Singh, Pooran bhai, and other artists, seniors, friends and families for their support and taking time to attend and making it an unforgettable gala celebration.

An award ceremony was performed by MAFS board and dignitaries, Nita Bhushan, Indian Consul General, Ms. Tony Preckwinkle, Chicago Board president, Dr. Vijay Prabhakar, Chairperson of Minority Ethnic Task force, Chandmal Kumawat, Chairman, Maneesh Media and MAFS Board president Dr. Jafri, Harish Kolasani and other board members, Santosh Kumar, MAFS.

The Pramod Kumar Philanthropy Award was introduced for the  first time and  presented to Mr. Deepak Kant Vyas Chairman & CEO Redberry Corp, for his extra ordinary philanthropic work throughout the World;

The Partnership Award was presented to Mr. Sean Dunn, VP of  WINTRUST Community Bank for his understanding the financial needs of MAFS;  Pillar of MAFS Award was given to  Ms. Promila Mehta Manager Social work Chicago center for her unconditional love and care to its mission;  Lifetime Achievement Award  was given to Mr. Prem Jalota Manager Roselle center for his life time commitment to MAFS mission and its family;  Employee of the Year Award was given to  Ms. Connie Dogaru SOS Coordinator for her dedication to serve seniors, Volunteer of the Year  Award was given to Ms. Bhanumati Maheta, a Yoga Teacher for providing 15 years of teaching Yoga for seniors.

A special Award of GSA Outstanding Citizen of the year 2017 given by Shri Pranav Mukherjee, President of India on July 1, 2017,  presented by Hon’ble Nita Bhushan, Indian Consul General  and Dr Vijay Prabhaker, Chair person of Minority Ethnic Task Force to Mrs. Santosh Kumar, Founder of Metropolitan Asian Family Services, IL USA.

SENATE RECOGNITION – was given by Senator Cristina Castro and presented by Ms. Nazneen to Mrs. Santosh Kumar, Founder of MAFS.

(Photographs and Press release by: Asian Media)