We are happy to inform you that BERA-IAA donated $575 to American Red cross to aid victims of natural disaster. We thank you all for your generous contribution for the fund raiser organized as a part of Diwali 2005 function.
BERA-IAA would like to set the record straight in regard to the complaint of the distribution of CD at the function. The complain was made by a BERA-IAA member who was not present at the function.
As per its charter of promoting culture of Indian subcontinent, BERA-IAA has been facilitating distribution of a number of items related to this culture. Consistent with this policy, we were glad to offer a similar opportunity to Priyanka Tope (a young talented girl, with full support of her parents, grew-up performing during several functions organized by BERA-IAA). BERA-IAA does not micro manage the distribution of such items, nevertheless, it has obtained all prior permissions before the function for the distribution of the CDs by Tope family. Moreover, subsequent to receiving a complaint from a member, BERA supervisor followed the procedure till all financial transactions, etc. were completed. She is satisfied with the conduct of BERA-IAA and its officials. Even though BERA-IAA, in its announcement, has mentioned only 10% of the CD sale funds going to red-cross through this function, Tope family point out that, as mentioned in the website (
www.priyankatope.com) and in the letter provided with the distribution and also as recorded on the CDs itself, ALL THE PROCEEDS will go to reputable charities listed at their website. The production and distribution of CDs was completely carried out by Tope family and no BERA-IAA member was present at the table. Moreover, Tope family is offering full refunds to the donations made during the function in connection to receiving these CDs if you are dissatisfied. Please contact us by sending e-mail to bera-iaa@bnl.gov. BERA-IAA board would have acted if it saw some one being asked to pay despite him/her saying no once, or if some one had complained during the function.On a separate note, the contribution of Tope family in the formation and evolution of BERA-IAA and its activities are noteworthy and significant. Their integrity and efforts in fund raising area are well known.
All in all, about 400 people (adults, children and kids under five) attended the function. We are glad that people who attended the functions were very pleased with it (click here to see opinions). It would not have been possible without the help of number of people (both members and non-members) in both careful planning and execution of various aspects of that plan. We are very pleased with a very cordial working atmosphere, as expected from the spirit of Diwali, and would like to see that to continue in future.
Ramesh Gupta
Shailendra Chouhan
Sharadha Sambasivan