Even as COVID-19’s Delta variant wrought havoc and tragedy through India last year, there was no shortage of stories about the heroes from near and far who rushed in to help. Bollywood star power will illuminate some of those heroes this week, as actor and philanthropist Vivek Anand Oberoi hosts CRY America's "Heroes for Life" benefit Gala in New York City. The gala will be held at 6:30 PM, Friday, May 20, at The Taj Pierre Hotel, 2 East 61st St. 

Oberoi invites fans and supporters to join him at the New York City event by registering at:  https://cryamerica.org/site/microsite/NY-NJ-Gala-2022/

Child Rights and You (CRY) America is a nonprofit organization that supports 30 projects in India and the US that ensure access to education and healthcare for underprivileged children, as well as protection from child labor, early marriage and trafficking.

“Heroes for Life” honors CRY America's donors and project partners, who have maintained their support to underprivileged communities throughout the “silent crisis” spawned by the pandemic. Throughout India’s slums and villages, school closures and sudden loss of livelihoods caused a spike in child labor and child marriage, as already-vulnerable families scrambled to conserve resources.

A true star of a different variety, Ms. J. Lalithamma, founder and director of CRY America-supported Project PORD, will be in attendance to share stories of her organization's work to end child labor and child marriage in rural Andhra Pradesh, India.

Rounding out the evening will be a special address by Mary Ellen Iskendarian, President of Women's World Banking, music, an exciting Bollywood dance segment, a pledge drive, music, and an auction of items by top Indian artists and fashion designers.

(For more information, contact Adam MacGregor at 617-910-7796 or adam.macgregor@cryamerica.org)