An evening with Solace Charities
The Banquet dinner organized by Solace Charities on the 18th of November heralded the start of its Bay Area Chapter’s widening footprint in community service. The much awaited dinner held under the auspices of Mrs. Sheeba Ameer, its founder, had over 300 attendees savoring authentic Kerala cuisine in the backdrop of a medley of Indian songs. The event was held at Orchard Banquet Hall, Campbell. The funds raised would support treatment and living expenses for approximately 60 children for an year.
For those of you who haven’t heard the story of this organization; Solace has its beginnings set in rather tragic and disheartening circumstances. Early in 1998, Mrs. Ameer’s daughter — Nilufar was diagnosed with cancer. After 16 years of battle with the emperor of all maladies and further complications from the treatment, Nilu finally succumbed to the fate. The scars that were left on her mother’s heart were deep and led her to volunteer in the area of palliative care and ultimately to devoting her life for the welfare of kids with long term illness. A decade since it’s inception in 2007, there are over 1800 children and families that are supported by Solace, an estimate of $21.5k spent monthly on various assistance programs. Solace provides a supporting hand to affected families by providing medical aid, social support and with various initiatives on empowering mothers in earning a basic livelihood while caring for their children. Solace Bay Area chapter was kicked off early this year and has been actively involved in various activities to support this mission.
The venue was beautifully decorated for welcoming the most lovable Mrs. Ameer and guests. The hanging lights and flowers everywhere were a reminder of the light and fragrance that Mrs. Ameer brings to the lives of numerous. When this heartwarming video on the story of Solace was presented at the event, many in the gathering were overwhelmed. Listening to her articulate the struggles she waded through to get Solace to where it is today was a lesson in grit and determination for the crowd. The classy and lively ambience was augmented by the live music orchestrated by Music India Foundation, a band comprised of techies who share a passion for Music. With Mr. Rajesh Cherthala , the talented Indian flutist joining the team, the performance was beyond words and took the audience on a mesmerizing journey to the world of Indian Music of different genres, both old and new. The onsite babysitting service was equally enjoyed by kids — who had their share of fun in the playroom arranged adjacent to the auditorium watching movies and devouring pizza and by parents — who could enjoy the evening with no qualms. The night was capped off by a live auction. Auction items included organic fiber handicrafts, sculptures, dinner with personal chefs and so on. An active participation was seen from the audience for this fun and unique initiative.
As the event was ending, everyone knew that this wrap up was the start to new beginnings — new fundraising events that will be rolled out in future, new projects to help out children in need, new minds joining us in this mission. Team Solace thank all our patrons for your contribution through donations in time and resources and joining us in this journey. Please consider joining us by giving us your valuable time in volunteering and/or through donations. No money or time is big or small, the gesture associated is much appreciated. Looking forward to seeing you all at the next Solace event,
-Team Solace
