NATA DAY Atlanta fundraiser produces record $434,000
(Photos: Sridhar Vakiti, Kiran Nadella)
North American Telugu Association (NATA) celebrated its inaugural fundraiser event, NATA Day, in the 2014 Convention host city Atlanta, GA with pomp and grandeur on Saturday Feb 22 evening at the sprawling venue of the Lanier Technical College Forsyth Conference Center. A record amount of $434,000 was raised—a new record for contribution from a single city in one day in the 30 year history of the nonprofit organizations. NATA 2014 Convener, Bala Indurti, attributed this unprecedented success to the Telugu community of Atlanta. He also expressed his gratitude to the local Telugu associations TAMA and GATA, for their complete support in helping the Atlanta team achieve this spectacular accomplishment. He thanked all participants from national and local organizations TANA, NATS, TCI, AmrutaVarshini, Vibha, Maitri, Isha Yoga, ArtOfLiving, Hindu Temple of Atlanta, Sai Temple of Atlanta.
Senior leadership with Telugu film actress Laya (center), NATA President Dr. Sanjeeva Reddy and his wife, and convener Bala Indurti.
The biennial NATA convention, held once in 2 years, is expected to welcome over 10,000 people of Telugu origin to the GWCC convention center in downtown Atlanta during July 4th – 6th. The convention will be transmitted live through many leading TV channels to millions across the US, Canada, and India. NATA leaders Dr. Prem Reddy, Dr. Malla Reddy, and President Dr. Sanjeeva Reddy are working tirelessly to guide preparations.
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| A dancer with red palms. | Star attraction Sudhamayi Vogeti sang haunting melodies. | Bala Indurti pleases the audience. |
The delightful fundraiser saw a packed audience of more than 600. The program began with a traditional “Jyothi Prajwalana.” Venkat Chennubhotla provided audio support and energetically emceed the cultural extravaganza. Star attraction Sudhamayi Vogeti, supported by local talent from Atlanta that included Bhanu Sri, Phani Dokka, Ram Durvasula, and Venkat Chennubhotla, enthralled the audience with haunting melodies. Atlanta’s Shiva Turlapati wowed with breathtaking dance sequences from his school of dancing with performers from tender ages. Smt Neelima Gaddamanugu presented exquisite cultural dance performances with her young and talented students. In an inspiring speech, special guest Telugu film actress Laya encouraged all lovers of Telugu culture to step forward and support activities leading to the NATA 2014 convention.
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| Onstage at the NATA fundraiser. | Kuchipudi artists at NATA Day Atlanta. |
Atlanta-based global software solutions provider Paramount Software pledged $50,000 as a Corporate Grand Sponsor for the 2014 Convention. This unparalleled act deserves special recognition to Pramod Sajja, Paramount’s CEO. Also, Grand Donors pledged $25,000 and above, and other donors $10,000 and above. There were 15 donors with $5000, 27 donors with $2500, and 36 donors with $1000 pledges.
The NATA culture of positive thinking and cordiality was evident in the informal and warm way the leaders greeted all of the attendees in a fun filled atmosphere with respect towards all. The cordial camaraderie and strong rapport between the various teams, the dynamic activities of these members, the positive energy that effuses from this charged atmosphere together leave no doubt that NATA 2014 convention will set a new mark for entertainment and progress.
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Photo Gallery: http://www.vakiti.com/NATA/NATA-Day-Atlanta/i-WKxJ6qD
Sponsors:
Atlanta-based global software solutions provider Paramount Software pledged $50,000 as a Corporate Grand Sponsor for the 2014 Convention. This act in itself is unparalleled and deserves special recognition and our big thanks to Pramod Sajja, CEO of Paramount. Grand donors with pledges of $25,000 and above include Srini Vangimalla & Dilip Tunki (Serenity Infotech), Srinivas Nimmagadda (VenSai Technologies), and Prashant Kollipara (Bytegraph Productions). Other prominent donors with $10,000 and above are Bala & Madhavi Indurti, Ravi & Hema Kandimalla, Goutham & Jyoti Goli, Dr. Adishesha Reddy, Kiran & Sridevi Kandula, Dr. Mahender Reddy, Vishwanath Dasari, Upender Reddy Kadire, Bindu Reddy, Phani & Aparna Paladugu, Arun Katpalli, Srinivas Lavu, and Sunil Shavale. There were 15 donors with $5000, 27 donors with $2500, and 36 donors with $1000 pledges.
Thanks:
NATA President Dr. Sanjeeva Reddy lauded convener Bala Indurti’s leadership and zeal and commended Coordinator Srini Vangimalla, co-convener Dr. T.Satyanarayana Reddy, Core Committee members Ramesh Chaparala & Goutham Goli, RVP Ravi Kandimalla, and other local leaders for their superlative efforts. Special thanks are also due to Dr. Harnath Policharla EVP, Mahender Musuku, ED, Ramesh Appareddy, Ex.BOD, Dr. Vijaya Appreddy, Core Committee member and Prasad Reddy Mallu, Overseas Coordinator for their energizing presence and leadership.
Shri Srinivas Nimmagadda deserves a special mention for his yeoman efforts in arranging Georgia Governor Nathan Deal as the chief guest for the convention.
Kiran Kandula took care of publicity and Venkat Mondeddu actively coordinated media efforts.
Registration chair Gireesh Reddy Meka diligently managed registration arrangements. Production chair Satya Karnati and AV/Infrastructure chair Jagadeesh Cheemarla deserve praise for their hard work and support. Dr. G.V. Rao and Sridhar Vakiti helped tremendously in capturing all the wonderful moments through their skillful photography. Food coordination was by Goutham Goli and Ramana Reddy Doddla and transportation coordination by Raghu Goverdhana, web and online media by Siva Gaddamanugu, Prameela Gopu, and Lively Ads Nagaraj.
The NATA Atlanta team, in turn, is grateful to Dr. Sanjeeva Reddy and Sreedevi garu for their encouragement and guidance on all aspects by taking the time to be with the team in Atlanta through all major events.
A special note of thanks goes to Atlanta Mayuri restaurant for their delicious food and excellent service, which was not compromised in any form or fashion in spite of the record turnout of 600+ guests, which was much more than the anticipated 400.
Many thanks are due to our media partners 6TV, TV5, TV9, Sakshi TV, YuppTV, Great Andhra, Khabar, NRI Pulse, India Tribune, and Idle Brain.
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