Stop Domestic Violence | DAYA Houston Luncheon

Glamorous ladies, of mostly South Asian decent, gathered to honor and celebrate the Spring DAYA Annual Gala. This year it was hosted at the Junior League of Houston and themed ‘An Afternoon in Spain’.

The emcee for the luncheon Rachel McNeil (KPRC Anchor) looked fabulous in a L. K. Bennett dress while the flamenco performance by Cuadro La Tempestad showcased a mesmerizing performance.

DAYA Houston was founded in 1996, to support South Asian women , their children and families who are trying to break the cycle of domestic and sexual violence and reclaim their lives. Board Member and renowned author Chitra Divakaruni addressed the audience with an informative presentation about the work of DAYA. “The organization empowers women by offering counseling awareness, and its approach is to foster individual freedom and respect leading to healthy families,” she informed.

Luncheon chairs: Annu Rao Naik, Fatima Mohiuddin along with DAYA President Jyoti Kulkarni and many other donors raised a whopping amount of $176,000. DAYA is the Hindi word for Kindness and the organization’s selfless efforts have reached many successful heights over the years. With 6,132 calls in 2014 and five new clients every week the organization is very focused on its mission. The luncheon ended with a very inspiring story by a client who reminded us again that domestic violence and abuse is not a choice or settlement. Stop domestic violence and empower others. For more information on DAYA Houston visit dayahouston.org/about.

Spotted at the luncheon Latika Bathija, Leena Shah, Laksmy Parameswaran, Asha Dhume, Sheela Rao, Pooja Lodhia, Khadeeja H. Qureshi, Anjali Thankur Khawaja, Shaila Patel, Sangeeta Pasrija, Neelofur Ahmad, Monira Hamid Kundi, Shenila H. Naseem, Susan Boggio, Jai Kaur, Jasmeeta Singh, Leela and Nat Krishnamurthy, and many others.