Representatives from the Asian Indian Women’s Organization presented Compass for Kids with a $230,000 check, funds raised from the most recent India Night celebration.
The Nov. 8 event at the Crowne Plaza featured cultural performances, an auction and bazaar. Dr. Richa Pandey, who served as AIWO president last year, told Springfield Business Journal prior to the event the goal was to raise $200,000 to support the work of Compass. She said the organization’s mission closely aligns with AIWO’s values of service, education and empowering the next generation.
“Compass provides after-school and summer programs that support children in Springfield, especially those facing poverty and adversity, with mentoring, meals, academic support and life skills,” said Pandey. “We were inspired by the way Compass for Kids is breaking cycles and creating brighter futures. Partnering with them felt like the perfect way to ensure that the impact of India Night goes directly toward helping local children thrive.”
Proceeds from the event will support all three Compass for Kids programs – Club Compass, Camp Compass and the Youth Leadership Development Program – while also helping fund the purchase of a third passenger van to transport kids to and from clubs as well as educational field trips.
“We were honored to receive a generous check from the Asian Indian Women’s Organization following their incredible India Night celebration,” said Christy Freeman Stark, marketing and communications manager for Compass. “We are deeply grateful for their partnership and commitment to our kids.”
