AWAKE participated in a Diwali Mela organized by the India Heritage Center at the Sheraton Mahwah, New Jersey. AWAKE volunteers worked in partnership with several community members who had expressed interest to assist with raising funds to support AWAKE in its mission.

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It is commendable that one such partner - Ms. Jesmin Patel of 'Sahara Boutique' - donated a booth and their services at this event, by organizing a sale of unused/gently used clothing. The enthusiasm of the community to support this endeavor with 100% of the proceeds donated to AWAKE, was humbling.

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Today AWAKE participated in an event organized by the Youth Bureau of White Plains. The community event was held in downtown White Plains with many vendors and community service booths on display.  AWAKE had a special place and soon it was the hub of frantic activity.  AWAKE's own resident Artist, Ms. Raji Menon together with her team of volunteers, brought magical smiles to all who participated in the "Create your own Art" project.  Members of the White Plains community ranging from 5 years to 80 years were excited to experiment with acrylic paints and were ecstatic to see their final artistic creation.

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Anindita Ganguly organized the dance program Revenue Stamp at SUNY Purchase to benefit AWAKE. The dance participants young and old all performed beautifully. Dr. Raman Kaul spoke few words to parents and children.

AWAKE participated in the International Day of the Girl Child Conference held at Manhattanville College in Westchester county. AWAKE volunteers conducted a 45 minute workshop with high school students based on the themes of Love and Respect and how they form the basis of a Healthy Relationship. They also discussed the Relationship Spectrum ranging from Healthy to Abusive.

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These events serve as powerful advocacy tools to engage the minds of young girls and provide them with a forum to create awareness, encourage them to engage, share and learn how to address issues of concern.

On a perfect morning, at waterfront park in Dobbs Ferry, AWAKE held it’s Art in the Park event for the kids. After a short demo from our resident artist Rajashree Menon, our little painters enthusiastically started to create their individual acrylic pour paintings. As joy of creativity spread in the air, our not so little participants also got into the action. Grandparents and grandchildren together painted their masterpieces. Here are few of the pours and smiles that were shared today.

Phyllis Frank and Carolyn Fish held a conversation on bringing about social change by understanding the impact of domestic violence on women, children, families and society at large.

On August 4th, IACAW organized Heritage of India festival at Kensico Dam in Valhalla. AWAKE, along with many vendors had a table at the event. AWAKE participated not only to raise awareness of the community regarding various forms of Violence against women and children but also talked of ways to create a harmonious society by promoting respect, equality and kinship.

Several folks stopped by and we shared our vision and goals with them. Several shared their knowledge of the pervasive nature of this problem in our society, some expressed their desire to work with us.

Mr. Sanchala of the Westchester county human rights commission came by and has offered his help. We hope to work with that office in the future.

Continuing with its celebration of 25 glorious years, AWAKE held an evening of dance and music - Tarana & Ghungroo, at the North Castle Public Library in Armonk. It was an evening of soulful dance and melodious songs. A great event organized & participated by artist, volunteers and above all our community supporters. Together we work towards Equality and Empowerment.

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Bringing the community together for an evening of laughter and music. Desi Daaru performed the stand up comedy.

Deja Vu, the band had everyone on the dance floor with awesome music. Thank you to our supporters, our performers and our volunteers.