Bollywood Themed Fundraiser Aims To Help Orphans
CORAL GABLES - (CBS4) - The event is called "A Night in Bollywood" and it's one of the most talked about fundraiser in South Florida.
It transforms one man's home in Coral Gables into an Indian palace -- all to raise awareness for children who need help.
The orphans in India are often left weeping alone. Others are left on the side of the road alone. If they are lucky, they have each other -- 80 Million children in India are homeless and many of them orphaned.
"It really hits you hard when you see children fighting animals for food," said Matthew Meehan, one of the organizers of the fundraiser.
Meehan, a South Florida businessman and his friends, are investing their time in the children of India where millions of them scrounge for food every day – their parents have either abandoned them or died.
"You look at them and you can see that they want someone to love them. That is all they want," said Meehan to CBS4's Jorge Estevez in his home in Coral Gables.
The children get that love at Sunil's Home Orphange where now 90 orphans feel the love thanks in part to a group of people here in South Florida who have raised money for the past few years with the event A Night in Bollywood.
"It is 360 degree entertainment. There is something going around you at every single moment during the evening," Meehan said.
Upon entering the private home in Coral Gables, attendees are treated to rare musical acts, aerials performers, even fire breathers, all with the Indian theme that reminds everyone what they are fighting for.
"By giving them the extra step, like a trade skill or a college education, our goal is to break that cycle of poverty," Meehan said.
It is a cycle that is broken for the children at Sunil's Home Orphanage, who are so happy for their United States friends they even put on a this Christmas show for a group who recently traveled there.
"It is very rewarding to see them put that much time and energy into that. They did a fantastic job," said Meehan.
The event, A Night in Bollywood, benefitting Sunil's Home Orphanage is March 26th at 7pm.
For more ticket information, click here.
