The Boise and Troy chapters of AID recently organized very successful community-oriented fundraisers. 

Saturday, October 28. Boise, Idaho. A 550-strong audience got to savor the rich cultural diversity of India at the "Festival of Lights - Diwali 2006" annual fundraiser. The event featured a music concert by Bay Area-group "Antariksha," and programs with community participation. Enjoying delectable food, patrons witnessed the presentation, "People Power," that showcased HBP, the Bhopal struggle, and projects supported by the local community. AID Boise continued its fundraising tradition called "Volunteer Challenge," this time to support "Child Labor and Trafficking Prevention" in West Bengal. The volunteer challenged the community with an amount of $5,300, and the community responded with $3,000. The final amount raised, $13,000, will help realize yet another dream.

On the same day, clear across the country in New York, heavy rains did nothing to hamper the enthusiasm of 200 people from Troy and Albany. Professors, students and local families showed that they care, by supporting "Swaad 06, A Taste of India," organized by the Troy chapter. The sialagogic event not only left patrons happy but also helped raise $2,400 through tickets and donations.

---
Lalit Deshmukh (Boise) and Gopal Patil (Troy)