Ward 83 of Kolkata [Calcutta], one of the oldest and most notorious red light districts in India, is where social worker Urmi Basu opened a shelter for the children of prostitutes called New Light. Later she established through her non-profit organization of the same name [click pic for more info] a home for teen girls who would otherwise be forced to follow the grim trades of their mothers. Now Urmi wants to stop teen boys from becoming pimps or drug dealers by building a bakery and vocational training center and we're going to help her help them!!!So save the date!!! And your money!!! Don't buy your sweetheart chocolate or flowers or a $100 candlelight fondue dinner at The Melting Pot. Instead, bring them to Valentines for India @ 6:15pm on February 14, 2009 for an experience at Toledo First that will mess with their heads and their hearts. Tickets cost $10/person and include lovely decor with a delicious full Indian meal, a surprise take home souvenir, and a presentation from Pastor Rachel about her good friend Urmi Basu of New Light. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required at 419.882.6200.
[If you can't attend but want to contribute, please write "Valentines for India" on the memo line of your checks and make them payable to: Toledo First Adventist Church. The address is 4909 W Sylvania Ave, Toledo OH, 43623. Your gifts large or small are tax deductible and you will receive a receipt. Thank you in advance for helping us stop child prostitution!!!]
WTG and Kudos to all who were involved in this outstanding "Valentines for India" event. Great to see a full house turnout!
ReplyDeleteVery well planned and executed, the program rocked. Wonderful Indian cuisine, delicately spiced, and lovingly served, was a big hit of the evening.
But the best part was Pastor Rachel's moving testimony and stories of tragedy and hopelessness in Kolkata, mixed with triumph and hope as a result of New Light's efforts to help the children of prostitutes.
Thank you Toledo First Gang for hosting this fund raiser for New Light. And thank you, Pastor Rachel, for your servant's heart.