An eclectic display of arts pertaining to Indian culture and lifestyle welcomed guests celebrating the 5th Annual Oakville Diwali Gala
The Voice of Canada News:
Over 400 VIP guests from the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) gathered at the 5th Annual Oakville Diwali Gala, Oakville’s largest South-Asian gala that included a fund-raising event in support of Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital (OTMH), at the Lakeshore Convention Centre on September 14, 2018.
Diwali is an Indian festival of lights usually celebrated in October/November depending on the Hindu calendar. Diwali signifies good over evil, light over darkness, hope over despair and knowledge over ignorance, they explained. They also said that this festival is celebrated with a lot of fanfare with family prayer and fireworks by Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jains all over the world.
Old-style oil-lamps or Diya, a symbol of Diwali, was one of the key displays outside the Convention Center. Traditional dresses for Indian women, shawls, elephant displays, and candles were other props of design.
Oakville Diwali Gala turned out to be truly wonderful and a magical evening! From the moment you entered, the decor from the outside, lobby, and the main hall genuinely represented the theme, RANG MAHAL (Palace of Colors). The dinner was delish, the performers left a feeling of wanting more. Right from Mike D’Urzo’s magic tricks, Brant the Fire Guy’s dangerous Fire eating feat, and Sanskriti Arts’ Ghoomer Dance won everyone’s heart. Elena, the harp lady appeared as if an angel was playing the harp in a balloon. Givergy technology got the guests going into bidding wars in Silent and Live Auctions, plus Cause-within-a-Cause. The video presentation of a female Patient whose life was turned around for the better after surgery at OTMH, was very moving and touched people’s hearts. The patient was present at the event.
Rekha Sharma, Gala Chair and Arti Nagpal, Gala Co-Chair said that OD has boldly attempted to show to the spectators the rich vibrant culture of India.
Rekha said that after retiring as a counselor and teacher of a high school for 20 years, she thought it was time for her to give back to the community. So last year she joined the ODC as a volunteer and this year was selected as a chair. She did not realize, admitted Rekha, it would be such a difficult task as a chair. She had to work sometimes continuously for 12 hours writing hundreds of letters, asking for donations, educating the public about the fund-raising events.
Nevertheless, she added, she enjoyed working for a cause and specially for Oakville community.
They said that no organization can do it all alone and thanked all the sponsors, donors and all the media partners for their support.
“All in all, the event was a smashing success and thank YOU for supporting this year’s Oakville Diwali with your attendance, sponsorship, and donations. Together, we raised $257,000 in support of the surgical department at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital,” announced Mary McPherson, CEO Oakville Hospital Foundation.
“The Oakville Hospital Foundation has launched a $3 million surgical campaign that will fund more than 75 pieces of surgical equipment and outfit a tenth operating room set to open this year. The equipment will support various surgical specialty areas including vascular, gynaecology, orthopaedic, and ophthalmology. But ultimately, your generous support means OTMH caregivers can provide your family, friends and neighbours with better patient care and an exemplary patient experience,” adds Ms. McPherson with an emphasis.
After the delicious and mouth-watering food, dancers hit the floor with enthusiasm, while DJ Jiten played Bollywood remixes. In the background, there was a performance by a young girl on a musical instrument, in a round closed glass, accompanied by singing.
“Congratulations go to Oakville Diwali Gala Team on a job very well done and big thanks go to the Hospital Foundation for their advice and strong support. Looking forward to next year!”, said Rekha.
