Vibha Milwaukee

MPS HEP PROJECT VISIT/DONATION 12/15/10

2010-12-15T14:58:00.000-08:00

Today morning Manju and Marie went to visit Milwaukee Public School Homeless Education Program (MPS HEP). For those who do not know, MPS HEP is our local beneficiary that we donate proceeds to in our community.

$1,000, that is 11% of all of our proceeds for 2010 went towards MPS HEP this year. The rest has gone to various projects and needs with in Vibha.

Thanks to Manju's son, we also were able to donate 12 back packs. A few other items from our donation drive during Dream Mile this past Sept. was also donated.

The meeting with them today was a really good one.

We discussed how the money we donated in 2009 had been used and they gave us a tour. Again with our donations this past year, they were able to buy gift cards for families that are in immediate need. The money also went towards other needs with in their programs that support homeless families in keeping their kids in school. There were so many examples given:

A family, mother and three children, had recently fled to Milwaukee because of domestic abuse reason, from down south. All they had fit in one suit case and the clothes on their backs. MPS HEP was able to give them gift cards, provided by the monetary donations from Vibha, so that the kids would be able to get clothes, shoes, and other items they needed right away and get them back in school.

Recently, there was a house fire in Milwaukee. A family was left homeless with nothing except for what they were wearing. They came to MPS HEP deseperate and in need as everything was lost in the fire. With the help of MPS HEP, and the monetary donations of the gift cards, they were able to help the family with gift cards to purchase clothes and neccessities.

The MPS HEP Coordinators are so greatful to Vibha for the ongoing support we have given them through out the years. They thanked us and were so happy that we were able to give them this monetary donation again this year for 2010.

MPS HEP also told us that we were the FIRST non profit organization to reach out and help them. That speaks out more then anything else. It's such a great thing to know that we as an organization appraoched them first, being that MPS and their program for the Homeless has been around for so long. After our contributions, other organizations has also started to help with donations.

MPS HEP is a government funded organization... they are very limited on funds and were left hanging many times with no options. As their program needs grew, also their monetary funds were being spread thin to try and meet all the needs. With our help they are able to help cloth homeless families, help them get back on their feet, and keep their kids in school.

KUDOS VIBHA MILWAUKEE!!!

Vibha Milwaukee Dream Mile 2010 - ROCKED IT OUT!!!

2010-09-13T17:20:00.000-07:00

Incredible... September 12th, 2010.

At the alarm of 5AM a handful of us were up and ready to head out to Frame Park in Waukesha. What in the world were we thinking? What can possibly motivate us to get up that early to go to Frame Park by 6AM? Were we dragged out of bed? NO... We went there to set up for our second annual Vibha Dream Mile 5K run/3K walk event.

Earlier, the previous evening a lot of us were at Frame Park envisioning how things were going to play out and briefing and explaining the days event. It wasn't just the day previous we were trailing along Frame Park, but we've been there many times just going over things to make sure it was perfect. Months of planning and marketing had gone into play. A lot of dedicated team work and dedicated volunteers has put numerous hours into this. Tons of flyering, emailing, drafting, printing and postings were done. We were literally walking and talking Vibha for at least 2 months on Dream Mile. :) It was all worth it.

But here it was... the date couldn't come any sooner than this.

6AM Sharp - Volunteer cars roll in at Frame Park. Everyone unpacking and helping in setting up. Great team work how everyone pitched in setting up banners, registration areas, food preparations, blowing up balloons, setting up of picnic tables. Set up of book and school supply drive.

7AM - The first of the participants start to roll in for preregistration and packet info. Registrations area starts to pick up rather quickly. On the day of the event alone, there were almost 50 registration sign ups, with a total of 126 participants. For our second year, and in a different location than last year, this number was really good. It was incredible how the numbers picked up so quickly. In the background awesome DJ music starts playing. Volunteers start to greet participants, their family, and friends. It was great to see familiar faces of long time Vibha Milwaukee supporters and to meet great new and smiling faces.

8:30AM - line up and start up of event.

10AM - award ceremony.

To end it and top it all off... OF COURSE - ICY COLD WATER AND ICE ON THE ACC - LEENA GHOSH!!! WE NEVER FAIL!!!

We didn't for get about you Ashish Rastogi!!! Your group is hard at work here to make a difference in childrens lives and to inspire others here in Milwaukee because of your dedicated efforts of leading the path for us.

Thanks to all the volunteers whose been so dedicated in putting this all together in such a short time frame. Sushmita as lead for the event. Leena and Mukta for endless planning and coordinating and for the rest of the team... KUDOS!!! This event wouldn't have been possible with out every ones hard work and in the event day coordination of everyone who came to help make it all possible. Last but not least to our supporters... the participants. Thank you so much for coming out and supporting our cause.

Plan on joining us next year if you missed out this year.

A highlight, Scott Stoll - "The Man Who Biked The World", lead the participants on his bike at our event this year. A little about Scott, he biked in 50 countries,6 continents over 4 years!!!! http://www.theargonauts.com/ for more details and to purchase his book on his adventures around the globe.

DJ music was played by Phillip Maenpaa of Musical Revolutions and DJ services. - he really set the mood for the volunteers and participants. A true people person and great personality, he blended in with us on the day. http://www.musical-revolution.com

Bagels were donated by Einstein Bagels.

Outpost Groceries donated $50.

Waukesha Fire Department and Ambulance provided free standby service.

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NOTES FROM OUR VOLUNTEERS N TEAM MEMBERS:

Hi Everyone!

A Big Thank You to all of you for making the Dream Mile a success!

Everyone did such a fantastic job to make sure that the morning was fun and everything right from putting up banners, setting up the picnic area and finish line, registrations, food, timing to the face painting, water stations and cheering the runners/walkers was so well organized!

Lets meet up soon to celebrate the success of Dream Mile!

Three Cheers for Vibha Milwaukee!!

Mukta

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NOTES FROM OUR PARTICIPANTS AND SUPPORTERS:

"It was a good time. And what great people! I'm in next year too of course!" Pablo Baez (ran last years Dream Mile also)

"Had a ton of fun really, due to the great efforts of the Vibha volunteers. Another great job everyone. My Grandchildren and I had a great time." - Al Larson

"It was such an honor to lead the race. What a great event. I met so many wonderful people, and am honored to have an honorary first place medal." - Scott Stoll

Exactly One More Week Till Dream Mile...

2010-09-05T21:49:00.000-07:00

Vibha Milwaukee Second Annual Dream Mile Event - September 12th, 2010 at Frame Park, Waukesha. Registration starts at 7:00 AM and the run starts at 8:30 AM. Registration fees is $20 for the 5K Run and $15 for the 3K Walk. $10 for students. On day of the event registration fee for 5K Run is $25 and 3K Walk is $20. $10 for students. This fee includes a free event day t-shirt. For more information go to our website at http://dreammile.org/milwaukee

The anticipation to another Vibha Mke event. Only a week to go till our second annual Dream Mile Walk/Run.

Behind the scenes, volunteers are hard at work - planning & marketing the event.

Vibha Dream Mile is a National Flag Ship Event - considering that in all (15 chapters spead through out the U.S.) 10 centers do this event annually. It's a driven event that is most participated in and is driven by volunteers. Us here in Milwaukee, are doing it for the second time since our center started in 2008.

We're still a small scale action center, but we've scaled a lot of great ideas and events in Vibha as a whole - including Vibha Vibe that is considered to be our next national flagship event.

Volunteers - You feel that rush? You feel that high? You feel this feeling in your gut. Some anxiety perhaps? That's all normal. WEAR Your Vibha Gear and comfortable shoes!!! Let's rock this event!!!

Participants - Get ready to come and have some fun running/walking for a cause. Great food, treats, refreshments, great music, company of great people, fun activities for kids, henna, face painting - and don't for get this year we are also doing a donation drive of gently used books and new school supplies.

NEW WAVES IN VIBHA... "ADOPT A PROJECT"

2010-08-18T17:40:00.000-07:00

WHAT EXACTLY IS ADOPT A PROJECT???

Patrons will be able to choose a project that they wish to adopt and donate an amount of their choice to this project. Patrons can own all or part of a project. Patrons will use their login and password to view project reports for their adopted project and perhaps even interact directly with their adopted project. In short, this new infrastructure creates a more meaningful connection between Vibha patrons and Vibha supported projects. A login to the Adopt a Project website will be provided to those that wish to be a part of this.

THIS WILL GO INTO EFFECT JANUARY 2011.

If you as a Vibha Volunteer or interested individual would like to get involved, please do contact us.

Mukta Joshi - Vibha Milwaukee Volunteer Relations @ volunteer@milwaukee.vibha.org
Leena Ghosh - Vibha Milwaukee Action Center Coordinator @ coordinator@milwaukee.vibha.org

VIBHA MILWAUKEE DREAM MILE 2010

2010-08-05T10:10:00.001-07:00

Vibha Milwaukee is conducting its 2nd annual Vibha Dream Mile 5K Run/3K Walk on September 12th, 2010 at Frame Park, Waukesha. Registration starts at 7:00 AM and the run starts at 8:30 AM. Registration fees is $20 for the 5K Run and $15 for the 3K Walk. On day of the event registration fee for 5K Run is $25 and 3K Walk is $20. This fee includes a free event day t-shirt. For more information go to our website at http://dreammile.org/milwaukee

ABOUT US:
Vibha is a volunteer driven non-profit organization that raises funds to support projects which provide better education, living standards and security for underprivileged children in US and India. For example: bringing kids of prostitutes out of their condition and provide education and other means, assist in the eradication of child labor, provide immunization, promote and carry out health fairs, education, and so much more. For more information on our projects go to our website at http://milwaukee.vibha.org

BENEFICIARIES:
This year for Dream Mile our local beneficiary is Milwaukee Public School’s Homeless Education Program. This program supports families with children that are homeless, or are soon to face homelessness. The program is supported by and run under federal law and regulations that all public schools must provide services to all students, including homeless children. A part of the No Child Left Behind Act.
For more information: http://www2.milwaukee.k12.wi.us/health/hep.html

SUPPORT OUR PLEDGE DRIVE:
We encourage you to please participate as Runners or Walkers and register at http://dreammile.org/milwaukee and join our pledge drive at http://www.active.com/donate/thedreammile2009.

Thanks for your support
Vibha Milwaukee.

Vibha wins $20,000 Grant from Chase Community Giving!

2010-06-27T09:55:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the enthusiastic support of patrons like you, Vibha is among the top 50 organizations of the Chase Community Giving program on Facebook for 2010!

We received 2,149 votes on this program which makes us eligible for a $20k grant.

The proceeds from this program will go towards our 42 projects in India and US. Your continued support is the one of the key reasons why Vibha has been making a positive impact on the lives of thousands of children in India and US.

To learn more about our projects, please visit www.vibha.org/projects. You can contribute to our projects through various programs listed at vibha.org/programs.

Vibha Conference in Twin Cities June 4th-6th

2010-06-10T05:21:00.000-07:00

Present at the Twin Cities Minnesota Conference, in person, from Milwaukee: Mukta, Leena, Aparna, Marie, and Soumya. Present Via Web: Vishal, Parag, and Meenal.

Overall, the Vibha Conference was amazing and very inspirational. Every volunteer from all chapters are encourage to attend. Vibha Conferences are usually held the weekend after Memorial weekend at various action centers in US annually. Food and accomodations are provided for the duration of the stay. Event location is sent out as conference is planned and underway.

From personal experience of being there first time, It was worth it and very inspiring. It was an amazing three days spent amongst fellow volunteers from other action centers and Vibha head organizers. MN Volunteers were so hospitable and event was superb and well organized. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, refreshments, snacks, and such were provided throughout the stay for the conference.

Day 1 (Friday, June 4th Evening Social)

- Friday evening social was at a fellow volunteers home, Lakshmi's & Venkat's Residence, where dinner and refreshments was provided. There fellow volunteers from various chapters mingled and got a chance to meet one another. It was purely laid back and a meet and greet.

Day2 (Saturday June 5th)

-Welcome Address and Introductions – Ashish Rastogi, Director – Volunteer Relations
-Vibha – Minnesota: Successes, Strategies, and Challenges - Lakshmi Rajaram and Ramprasad Vijayagopal, Action Center Coordinators, Vibha Minnesota
-Booth Cup Announcement - Ashish Rastogi, Director- Volunteer Relations -
HOUSTON WINNERS (NEXT YEAR ITS OURS!!! :P)
-Speaker Introduction - Ron Victor, President, Vibha
-Keynote Address – Madhu Sridhar,President and CEO, Akshaya Patra Foundation, USA, “Nutrition as a foundation for Education – Feeding 1.2 million children everyday”
-Guest Address – Elizabeth Sweeney, President, Children’s Heartlink
-Thank You Address – Rajesh Haridas, Chief Operating Officer , Vibha
-Five Year Plan/Adopt-A-Project – Rajesh Haridas, Chief Operating Officer, Vibha
-Directors’ Talk and Prep for Breakout Session
-Breakout Session 1 –
(Fundraising Events, Programs, Marketing, Volunteer Relations, Projects)

After the conference for the day, we were all invited for a tour of the Twin Cities where Venkat, Volunteer from MN, took us to a beautiful sculpture garden and the Guthrie Theater to see the views of the wonderful city. Followed by TONS of Photo Ops at the two locations... we were invited to another fellow volunteers home for dinner and another social where there was TONS of food and refreshments.

Day 3 (Sunday, June 6th)

-Scaling Action Centers – Ron Victor, President, Vibha
-Website Presentation – Balaji Rajam, Director – Marketing, Vibha
-Breakout Team 1 Presentation
-Breakout Team 2 Presentation
-Breakout Team 3 Presentation
-Video from DSS, Pune
-Breakout Team 4 Presentation
-Breakout Team 5 Presentation
-Closing Remarks – Ron and Rajesh

The weekend was filled jam packed with tons of information, socializing, collaboration, ideas, fun, and FOOOOOD!!! Vibha really came together from all centers and really poured their hearts out in the break out sessions. We collaborated on some really awesome and great plans for Vibha in the next 5 years and its future.

A highlight - Total of 6 new Vibha Chapters in India. For those of you that didn't know... Vibha was before hand a US Volunteer base nonprofit, so for that fact that there are action centers in India now, that is great news. They are reaching out to the projects in person and working with them. There is an expecatation that there will be more chapters opening up.

Please come to this weekends Volunteers meeting for a full load of what we've gained from the conference. Its very exciting to share with all of you. Please join us so we can implement and share with you all that we have planned on a local and national level. News, highlights, and facts on all scales national and local on ideas. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mukta - Volunteer Relations, or any Vibha Milwaukee Volunteer. COME AND BE INSPIRED!!!

UWM - UNION
When: Saturday June 12, 2:00pm
Where: UWM Union - 2200 E Kenwood Blvd Room 240, Milwaukee, WI 53211

Vibha Vibe Volunteers Celebration Potluck & Social 5/02/2010

2010-05-04T12:35:00.000-07:00

What a perfect Sunday afternoon, to be amongst your fellow volunteers, Vibha Milwaukee. Everyone brought a dish to share and it was a laid back carefree afternoon of good food, good company, good conversations, good laughs, fun, and games.

It surely was a great way to bring Vibe 2010 to an end and to look forward to our next event for the year, Our Second Annual Vibha Milwaukee Dream Mile Event. It will again be held at the Veterans Park Milwaukee Lakefront, August 8th, 2010 .

Being a volunteer with Vibha Milwaukee, not only is it for a good cause to donate some of your time, but it's also a great way to meet new people that has the same cause and interests in mind. Socials are a great way to relax, get to know one another at a different level, and thus work together as a great time. Not only do we volunteer for Vibha, but some of us also have become great friends, enjoy one another's company, and have a good time.

Vibha Vibe 2010 - Complete Success!!!

2010-04-18T17:47:00.001-07:00

After months and endless hours of planning, organizing, and marketing, we finally put on our second annual Vibe show, the evening of April 17th, 2010. After the long months of flooded email boxes, phone calls off the hook, driving booths, organizing 12 different style of dance... it all came down to one evening. Plans for one venue that included a delicious dinner from Mayura, and the endless dedication of over 30volunteers, Vibha Vibe 2010, topped last years event.

Check out our Vibha Milwaukee Video Presentation shown at Vibe
zSHARE video - Vibha Video v5.mp4.flv

On April 17th, 2010, Vibha Milwaukee held it's second year running multicultural extravaganza, Vibha Vibe. What started in 2009 as a one time event, soon spread and was in demand for 2010. Vibha Vibe is a multicultural program and dinner event. Proceeds go to Milwaukee Public School Homeless Education Program, as local beneficiary, and also projects that we have in India. Vibha currently supports over 190 projects in US and in India to date with over 500 volunteers in US, spreading across 15 action centers.

Vibha’s vision is to ensure that every underprivileged child attains his or her right to education, health and opportunity. Vibha’s mission is to educate, empower and enable every individual who wishes to make a positive difference in the life of an underprivileged child.

Vibha Vibe 2010 was held at the same venue as last year, the Centennial Hall, Milwaukee Downtown Library. The time frame of the event was held from 5-9pm. 5 - 7 PM is dinner and 7 - 9 PM is program.

Artist/Performance Program Consisted of:

Bailando Dance Company - Latin Performance
Hyperformance Dance Company UWM and Marquette University Hip Hop
Adonai Arts Center - Ballet and Modern Dance
Siempre Flamenco - Spanish and Flamenco Performance
Chandini - Bollywood Dancing
Grupo Capoeira Nagô Milwaukee - Samba and Brazillian Martial Art
Rakhshanda - Tribal Bellydance
McMenamin Academy - Irish Dance
Miltown Bhangra - Bhangra
Anila Sinha Foundation Dance Company - Kathak Story Telling Folk Dance
Zumba by Luis and UWM team

Event Sponsor: Wisdom Info Tech
In Association with: Little India Groceries and Spices, Zeon Solutions, & Zee TV.
This years dinner is from Mayura

Event Lead: Leena Ghosh - Vibha Milwaukee ACC
Performance Leads: Mukta Joshi & Marie Yang
Marketing Leads: Manju Shah, Aparna Sen, & Meenal Atre
Sponsorship Leads: Meenal Atre and Manju Shah
Volunteer Organizer: Mukta Joshi
Planning Leads: Raj Pati & Sid Syam
Financials: Soumya Pochiraju
Food and dinner room Organizer: Abraham Emmanuel
AV, Pictures, Vibha Video Leads: Parag, Balaji PR, & Santosh
Masters of Ceremony: Aparna Sen and Ritwick Dar

Heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers that came on event day to help. It would not have been possible with out the support of all the volunteers and all who came to the Vibe event. Special thanks to all the UWM Students, Marquette University Students, family, friends, and significant others.

Thanks to all the vendors, grocery stores, HTW, Gurudwara's, in supporting our event by allowing us to have booths, sell tickets, and marketing our event.

Thanks to Ashish Rastogi, for follow up support of Vibha Milwaukee and for driving all the way from MN to support his team.

You Asked For It... We're Bringing It Back!!! Vibha Vibe 2010

2010-03-19T06:40:00.000-07:00

ONLY... IT'S BIGGER AND BETTER!!!

Wow, Less than one month away, and we are rocking and rolling with booths at the HTW, Gurudwara's, and UW-Milwaukee campuses. We're totally excited about Vibha Vibe.

Vibha Vibe, a multicultural extravaganza will be held at the Centennial Hall, located at the downtown Milwaukee Library. Address: 733 North 8th Street Milwaukee, WI 53233.

Website for tickets and more information: http://wiki.vibha.org/Vibe:2010_Milwaukee_Home

Vibha Vibe 2010

2010-02-05T23:49:00.000-08:00

On April 17th, 2010, We will be holding our second year running multicultural extravaganza, Vibha Vibe. Vibha Vibe is a multicultural program and dinner event. Location for this year will be at Centennial Hall, Milwaukee Downtown Library. Time frame will be in the evening from 5-9pm. 5 - 7 PM is dinner and 7 - 9 PM is program.

We would like to invite you to come out and support our cause. Come and enjoy on the date for a fantastic program and dinner. Tickets will be sold before hand (from volunteers and/or at booths) and at the doors.

Ticket without Food $12/ Student $10/ Kids under 5 Free/ No tickets will be sold at the doors

Ticket Price with Food $18/ Students $15/ Kids under 5 Free/ Tickets at the door $25

We had sold out event last year in February and it was a great success. Thanks to all the performers, all the people that came out to support us, and as well as all the sponsors.

If you should have any questions, comment, or inquiries of our event, please don't hesitate to email us or ask one of our volunteers.

Vibha Milwaukee Contacts & Changes

2010-01-17T11:34:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful year 2009 has been for Vibha Milwaukee Help Them Grow Action Center. A recap of 2009: Vibha Vibe - February, Vibha Dream Mile 5k Walk/Run - August, Vibha Connect - November.

Let's look to a great 2010!!!

Vibha Vibe 2010 was a complete success!!! Dream Mile and Dandyia plannings underway!!!

We want to congratualate Leena Ghosh - New Action Center Coordinator and Mukta Joshi - New Volunteer Management, as elected new positions for Vibha Milwuakee. They have shown a lot of commitment and leadership and we will support their roles 100% of the way.

We also are sad to announce that Ashish Rastogi will no longer be in Milwaukee. We would not have had this wonderful action center and this great group of people volunteering for such a great cause if it were not for him. We will miss him.

Thank you Ashish from the whole team. You are always going to be remembered for your cool calming ways, sense of humor, and leadership with the whole team. You kept us together and we will keep this going for Vibha's mission and vision for a brighter future for children.

"To ensure that every underprivileged child attains his or her right to education, health and opportunity. To educate, empower and enable every individual who wishes to make a positive difference in the life of an underprivileged child".

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Leena Gosh - Action Center Coodinator @ coordinator@milwaukee.vibha.org
Mukta Josh - Volunteer Relations @ volunteer@milwaukee.vibha.org
Meental Atre - Sponsorships @ sponsorships@milwaukee.vibha.org
Marie Yang - Community Relations
Soumya Pochiraju - Financials

Current Activities

2009-12-16T11:25:00.000-08:00

Would you like to volunteer? Curious as to what we're up to? Take a look below. JOIN US!!!

Contact our Volunteer Relations, go to person, Mukta: volunteer@vibha.milwaukee.org

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Other: (Updated 6/27/10)

COMMUNITY:

1) Donation Drive

Donation drive underway. Contact us if you would like to contribute. We will be delivering the items by the end of this month. Thanks.

2)Hunger Task Force Of Greater Milwaukee

If you would like to participate, please look at their website and do a one hour manditory volunteers orientation. We will start volunteering in 2010

3) Agape Community Center

Serving dinner Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursdays to low income families. Majority of participants that come for the program are children. This center does this year round so definately a good cause. We will be volunteering as a group to help out when we can.

EVENTS:

Dream Mile:

Date: September 12th
Venue: Lake Park (near UWM) or Frame Park (Waukesha).
Event Lead - Sushmita
Planning/Budget Lead - Anshuman (Ranjit to help)
Marketing/Sponsorship - Sunaina (Ranjit to help)
Volunteer Management -Karthik

Buddy System: Volunteers that planned Dream Mile last year

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Dandiya: Date TBD (October End Time Frame)

Event Lead - Puja, Jasmine, Nairuti

More info later

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Kalakaar: To "GO Live" - 2011 on Vibha Milwaukee Website

Lead & Organizer - Marie

Plans with the national team underway. Set up, organizing, & plans and then to go live 2011. Will update as more info comes.

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Events to look forward to for 2011

Third Annual Vibha Vibe
Dream Mile 2011
Vibha Idol *new

Winning that Booth Cup at Conference!!!

Wanna be a part of all of this!?!? Ask us how!!! Get in contact with Vibha Mke Volunteer Relations - Mukta @ volunteer@milwaukee.vibha.org --- or ask any of the volunteers. Come to the next meeting!!!

Vibha Milwaukee Connect Event 12/13/09

2009-12-15T16:02:00.001-08:00

Special thanks to all the guest that joined us for our "CONNECT" event Sunday, December 13th, 2009. We hope the event was informative and that we have made an impact for involvement in the near future. If there should be any questions, please feel free to contact us. It was a great event.

Event Coordinator Ashish Rastogi started the event with going over Vibha as a whole. Following Ashish was Manju who is a project lead. Manju went over projects that Vibha over sees in India and she went in detail a lot of the specifics of running the projects. Third, Meenal went over projects and events we've done in the Milwaukee community along with Cathy Klein who briefed on Milwaukee Public Schools Homeless Education Program (MPS HEP). MPS HEP is a program that Vibha Milwaukee has supported monetarily in a few past events. Lastly, it was an open session with questions and collaboration on ideas.

Event started promptly at 4pm lasting to about 6pm. Snacks and refreshments were served and a Vibha information booth was present.

Thanks to all the volunteers who helped in making Connect happen. Special thanks to Ashish, Meenal, Manju, and Abraham on the awesome slides and videos. Special thanks to UWM students Parag, Soumya, and Balaji in getting the venue and helping coordinate. Kudos to the team.

Hunger Task Force Of Greater Milwaukee

2009-11-17T03:51:00.000-08:00

Ending Hunger is Our Mission

One out of four people here in Milwaukee are hungry.

Compassion ... is why we feed the hungry
Justice ... is why we advocate for the hungry
Stewardship ... how we oversee what we're given, allowing us to feed the hungry
Dignity ... how we carry out the above

Hunger Task Force believes that every person has a right to adequate food obtained with dignity. Hunger Task Force works to prevent hunger and malnutrition by providing food to people in need today and by promoting social policies to achieve food security tomorrow.

We attack the issue of Hunger on two fronts: Advocacy and Food Banking.

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Watch out!!! On December 1st, 2009 a handful of Vibha Milwaukee volunteers will get involved with the Hunger Task Force here in Milwaukee. ( Jasvin S., Abraham P., Mukta J., & Manju)

Want to get involved with our group?!?! Contact us!!! Volunteer@milwaukee.vibha.org

Thanks to the Milwaukee Vibha Volunteers for getting involved.

InDiya Shine: Best Medium Non-Profit in the USA !!!

2009-10-26T10:44:00.000-07:00

Great job to all the volunteers and all the things that we do!!!

Check out this website to read full reviews from volunteer/community entries & and full details!!!

http://greatnonprofits.org/reviews/vibha

Vibha Connect: Sunday December 13th, 2009

2009-10-21T10:43:00.000-07:00

Vibha Connect: Sunday December 13th, 2009 4-6pm

Millions of children are out of school because of poverty. Help them grow. Know. Collaborate. Discuss. Share your ideas. Shape their future. An invitation to get involved.

UWM Union Ballroom 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd. RSVP Volunteer@milwaukee.vibha.org

What's Next After Vibha Milwaukee Connect!?!?!

2009-09-14T06:37:00.000-07:00

Keep posted for more information

Calling all performers for Vibha Vibe 2010 event!!!! :) It's going to be better than 2009, and those that were there for Vibha Vibe 2009 has got to admit it was a BLAST!!!

Vibha Milwaukee Dream Mile August 2009!!!!

2009-09-14T05:19:00.000-07:00

The Dream Mile is the flagship event in Vibha's continued efforts to increase awareness about the plight of underprivileged children. It has come a long way since its inception in 1998. It has grown from being a small event attended primarily by volunteers and friends to a permanent fixture on the calendars of runners in the various cities in America. The increasing participation and enthusiasm for this event just goes to show how strongly people feel about the cause of underprivileged children.

This year Vibha has partnered with Marines Toys For Tots Foundation - an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity, which is the fund raising, funding and support organization for the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. Part of the proceeds will be donated to Toys for Tots to help underprivileged children right here at Milwaukee.

http://picasaweb.google.com/soumya.p/TheDreamMile

It was a surreal moment on the morning of August 9th, as volunteers showed up one by one at Veterans Park, Milwaukee on the lake front.

Just the day before, over 20 volunteers gathered in the same location to brainstorm the event day... and here we were at 6AM setting up the area the next day. I don't think that at that very moment, or day before had it hit us that "this is it"...

As the day was rolling in to 7AM with most the volunteers at the venue, everyone was hard at work at their stations... 20+ volunteers showed up ready and eager to help out. It definately was giving everyone a HIGH. Just in a few moments, participants were going to start showing up!!!

Event Beneficiaries showed up and set up their area: MARINES TOYS FOR TOTS; and as well as our past events beneficiaries, we were honored with presences of MPS Homeless Education Program coordinator, Kathy Klein.

As soon as the day began for Vibha Milwaukee volunteers, we were busy setting up banners, setting up food stalls and preparations, setting up registration areas, putting up cones and lines for finish and start areas, Henna and face painting tents and other stations... Clicks of cameras and roars of laughter coming. All volunteers were hard at work and having a good time too and welcoming guests and participants.

7:30AM registrations began. Dj music playing loudly.

Donations of food came from: Einstein bagels, & Panera; We also had Subway, fresh fruits and refreshments for everyone.

Race began at 9:30AM Sharp. And Ended approximately 10:30AM. All runners and walkers finished with in an hour.

Award Ceremony began shortly after the race, with introduction to our event beneficiary MARINES TOYS FOR TOTS; and following that was our past event beneficiary MPS Homeless Education Program.

Considering it was our very first Dream Mile Event, there were over 120 registrations, with 20+ volunteers on event day organizing all this. We were able to raise 10.5K in net revenue.

It was all due to the hard work of three dedicated volunteers that went above and beyond for the last three months in preparing and arranging for this event: Leena Ghosh - Event Plannings, Meenal Atre - Sponsorships and Event Lead, and Mukta Joshi - Event Plannings. Not to mention everyone else that put in their efforts and time as well, but it was all thanks to these three individual that put forth their dedicated time in making sure things ran smoothly. DEFINATELY NOT AN EASY TASK!!! Credits also goes to: Ashish Rastogi - Vibha Action Center Lead, Vishal Rohilla - Volunteer Management. Special thanks to Gargee Atre for designing trifolds and flyers along with Parag with awesome graphics and flyer designs for our event. Thanks to Ujala Rana for managing UWM volunteers and arranging for meeting rooms.

Special thanks to all the sponsors of the event: Little India Groceries and Spices, Zeon Solutions, and Wisdom Info Tech.

Special thanks to Northwestern Mutual for donation grant of $500 to Toy's For Tots.

Special thanks to all the online pledges from family and friends.

THANKS TO ALL THE VOLUNTEERS FOR THEIR HARD WORK!

Vibha Milwaukee on TMJ4 Morning Blend 08/03/09

2009-08-06T07:49:00.001-07:00

http://www.themorningblend.com/NewsArticle/tabid/1474/xmid/34729/Default.aspx

Thanks to Producers of the Morning Blend Show, Vibha Milwaukee was able to get some air time to talk about Vibha and Dream Mile.

Special thanks to Producer Katie Pinkowski, and Executive Producer Kim Buchanan.

On the Morning of 8/03/09, Vibha Milwaukee Coordinator Ashish Rastogi and Volunteer Marie Yang was aired on the Morning Blend TMJ4 to talk about Vibha. The main topics were about projects in india, our movements in Milwaukee, the effects its taking place in the lives of children, and our mission.

It was definately a great opporutnity and first time ever for our action center to get some on air publicity. This will open up a lot of doors and will help with future events as well.

Thanks for all the great work Vibha!!! KUDOS!!!

VIBHA MILWAUKEE DREAM MILE

2009-07-01T05:10:00.000-07:00

Vibha Dream Mile is a 5K Walk/Run event organized by Vibha Milwaukee on Veterans Park by Milwaukee lake side on August 9th, 2009. Registration starts at 8:00 AM and the run starts at 9:30 AM. Registration fees is $20 which includes a free event day t-shirt ($25 on the day of the event).

ABOUT US:

Vibha is a volunteer driven non-profit organization that raises funds to support projects which provide better education, living standards and security for underprivileged children in US and India. For example: bringing kids of prostitutes out of their condition and provide education and other means, assist in the eradication of child labor, provide immunization, promote and carry out health fairs, education, and so much more. For more information on our projects go to our website at http://milwaukee.vibha.org

BENEFICIARIES:

This year for Dream Mile we are partnering with the US Marines Toys for Tots program and partial proceeds will go to their noble cause.
For more information on Dream Mile go to our website at http://dreammile.org

SUPPORT OUR PLEDGE DRIVE:

We encourage you to please participate as Runners or Walkers and register at dreammile.org. If you are unable to participate then please contribute in the form of your time as a volunteer at http://wiki.vibha.org/Milwaukee:Contact_Us or monetary donations for our pledge drive at http://www.active.com/donate/thedreammile2009/Marieyang

Vibha Milwaukee First Annual "DREAM MILE" 5K Walk/Run August 9th, 2009

2009-06-14T12:35:00.000-07:00

What: Vibha Milwaukee First Annual "DREAM MILE" 5K Walk/Run
When: August 9th, 2009
Where: Veterans Park (Milwaukee Lake Front)
What Time: (Approximation) Registration as early as 7:30AM
Run starts 9:30AM
Walk starts 9:45AM
How Much: $20 in advance $25 at the event.

Registration for event coming soon. Start signing up!!! Contact us!!! We'll send you the information and online registrations: Email us at: mny9149@gmail.com

Beneficiaries:

Vibha Milwaukee would like to support Marines Toys For Tots Foundation in their goal and objective in providing needy families new toys for their children in hopes to build creativity hope by providing and contributing education toys during the Christmas season. “To play an active role in the development of one of our nation's most valuable natural resources - our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to improving communities in the future”

We propose to fund 20% of the Vibha Milwaukee 2009 “DREAM MILE” proceeds. Rest of proceeds to be donated to various projects in India.

Help us make a difference in Childrens lives all over the world. Take part as a volunteer. Save the date. Spread the word. Participate.

2009 Vibha Milwaukee Community Outreach/Volunteering

2009-06-14T12:20:00.000-07:00

Keep posted as I will always be updating this sheet.

VOLUNTEER FOR VIBHA MILWAUKEE:

Event plans and work is already underway... We'd love for your input and help!

If you are interested in volunteering, please email us at volunteer@milwaukee.vibha.org

------------------------------------------------------

VOLUNTEER WITH US IN THE MILWAUKEE AREA TO SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY!!!

We'll see you there!!! CONTACT US!!!

Past Events Benefiting and Supporting Our Community and Neighborhoods

2009-06-14T12:16:00.001-07:00

VOLUNTEERING IN THE COMMUNITY:

S.E. Wisconsin Epilepsy & Seizure Awareness Brainstorm walk/run June 2008 & 2009

Habitat for Humanity October 2008 & 2009

Toys For Tots Toy Factory December 2008

Hindu Temple Of Wisconsin Anand Mela 2009

DONATIONS DRIVE:

META House November 2008

META House January 2010

Hope House January 2010

VIBHA SUPPORTS MILWAUKEE PROJECTS:

Milwaukee Public Schools Homeless Education Program ( on going beneficiary )

Toys For Tots

Cricket Carnival August 2008

2009-06-14T11:59:00.000-07:00

VIBHA MILWAUKEE - CRICKET CARNIVAL

Vibha Milwaukee held its first Cricket Carnival in August. The Milwaukee action center wanted to not only focus on cricket, but also other fun filled activities for kids’ as well—making it a carnival atmosphere. The first day of the tournament had many kids show up for the event.

The highlight of the event was an exciting participation from 15 cricket teams. Considering this was a first for Milwaukee, the numbers were encouraging. It was a hard-tennis ball tournament with eight players a side. Two adjacent baseball grounds were booked so that matches could be organized simultaneously. Eight preliminary matches were organized on the first day, quarterfinals on the second day, and the semifinals and finals on the third day. The tournament was planned for four days but wrapped up in three days. Event sponsor was Zeon Solutions, a software consulting company in Milwaukee. The secondary sponsor was Maharaja, a popular local Indian Restaurant.

Over ten volunteers were involved in planning and overall execution. The overall net profit was over $3000. Players was given a free Vibha Milwaukee Cricket Carnival T-Shirt with their participation fee. The exciting graphic design was the brainchild of creative volunteer Parag. There was good revenue from the sale of snacks which included samosas, upma, bhel puri, lemonade and soda. Volunteers also prepared food on their own and sold it at the event venue. Attractive trophies were given as team awards. Umpiring was done by the Vibha Volunteers. Overall the event was a great success and fun was had by all.

Vibha Vibe Donation to Milwaukee Public School (MPS) Homeless Education Program (HEP)

2009-06-13T17:21:00.001-07:00

MPS HEP's count for this year of students and families they've assisted has risen 17% with a total of 1700 families alone... This is not counting individual students. Last year 2007-2008 school year, they assisted a number of 2,400 students. This rise is said to be the effects of the fallen economy.

A $500 check, 10% of the proceeds from Vibha Vibe was given again 6/11/09.

Our $500 donation from our Cricket Carnival was put into good use in purchasing individual $25 gift cards towards GOOD WILL, given to family in needs of clothing and house hould items.

An example of a family Janis gave me was, two weeks ago, a mother and her three children were on the run from a domestic abuse relationship and had nothing but the clothes on their backs. She gave them a $25 gift card.

The $500 also went towards purchasing school items for the back packs that they provide also, but largely it was spent on the gift cards, something that they have been trying to find funds and get for families that they serve. They no longer have to turn them away, with nothing when they hear of families who don't have clothes or items that they need. They keep track of all the gift cards and items they give out.

Janis, Sue, & Kathy are coordinators for the MPS HEP program so largely they work to help families find services and assist in the welfare of the childrens, but never before had they had something at hand to give to the families, besides incase the needs of backpacks for the kids, and they want to thank us for that.

So what have they been up to since we last visited them and gave them the donation?

MPS HEP is partnering up with other several agencies in the community. (please see the brochure I attached front and back views). They are really proud to partnering up and building a center for children primarily teens at risk or is homeless. It's a big step for them and they need more help then ever!!!

On a side note we talked about Vibha Vibe and Janis could not stop talking about how great it was. She sends her congrats to all of us for a job well done and can't wait to be invited to our next show and future events.

We discussed more about Vibha and projects in India and Vibha Milwaukee's future events. (Dream Mile, Spelling Bee & Kids Activities, & as well as possibly if time permitts we'll be able to do another smaller scale Vibha Vibe talent show).

The HEP MPS coordinators are really thankful for our support.

CONGRATS VIBHA MILWAUKEE!!! THIS IS AWESOME!!!

Toys for Tots - "DREAM MILE" 5k WALK/RUN BENEFICIARY

2009-06-13T14:56:00.000-07:00

This past December 2008, Vibha Milwaukee had the chance to be a part of the volunteer team for the Marines Toys For Tots Foundation through the Salvation Army. There was a large amount of volunteers from Vibha Milwaukee that assisted in two increments of a day in the toy factory. It was a really good experience as some of us were there from 8AM until 4PM. It was a really touching experience as we assisted families in need picking out toys based on ages for educational toys for their children. Before the volunteering on the “store” ground, there was a “volunteer orientation” that we had to go through and the discussion of what Toy’s For Tot’s was all about as well as the crucial needs that there is in the community. Basically, because of the shortage of donated items and monetary donations they could only assist some people in the community based on income, but the need was far greater in the community because of the economic turn down. They could not meet every ones needs and had to turn some people away. Items that were donated and that were available... were limited.

Vibha Milwaukee would like to support Marines Toys For Tots Foundation in their goal and objective in providing needy families new toys for their children in hopes to build creativity hope by providing and contributing education toys during the Christmas season. “To play an active role in the development of one of our nation's most valuable natural resources - our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to improving communities in the future”

We propose to fund 20% of the Vibha Milwaukee 2009 “DREAM MILE” proceeds.

MPS Homeless Education Program Bio & Cricket Carnival Donation

2009-06-13T14:28:00.000-07:00

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) is the largest school district in the state of Wisconsin. As of 2007 it has an enrollment of 87,360 students and as of 2006 employs 6,100 full-time and substitute teachers in 223 schools. The Milwaukee Public Schools system is the 28th largest in the United States and one amongst the poorest in the country. For several years, Milwaukee ranked among the ten most dangerous large cities in the United States, however in recent years, Milwaukee no longer appears even among the top 25 most dangerous cities. However, despite its improvement, Milwaukee still fares worse than average when comparing specific crime types to the national average (e.g., homicide, rape, robbery); only aggravated assaults occur less frequently in Milwaukee than the national average.Of persons in Milwaukee aged 25 and above, 84.5% have a high school diploma, and 27% have a Bachelor's degree or higher.Milwaukee Public School (MPS) Homeless Education Program (HEP)Organization Profile and Background:

According to the McKinney-Vento Act, homeless is described as someone that is living doubled up with another family or person because they have no choice, someone that is staying in a shelter (including a domestic abuse shelters), a child awaiting for foster family placement, someone staying in places such as motels, hotels, cars, parks, or an abandoned building. Milwaukee Public Schools has created the (HEP) Homeless Education Program to help support families with children that are homeless, or are soon to face homelessness. The program is supported by and run under federal law and regulations that all public schools must provide services to all students, including homeless children. A part of the No Child Left Behind Act.

Families that face homelessness are encouraged to seek out assistance through MPS for services offered to their kids. Children that are homeless may receive free breakfast, lunch, and waived school fees. Homeless children that face moving from locations to different locations are serviced with transportation so that the child does not face moving from school to school. The children under this program also receive school supplies, backpacks and other services such as clothes. Additional to school supplies, food, and clothes HEP also assists in medical needs such as immunizations and the retrievals of medical records. They help and assist homeless families get the medical attention that they need to keep the child healthy and ready to learn. HEP also has tutoring programs, before and after school programs, arranging of book supplies to families that may not have access to have books for their kids at home, translation and interpreting services, referral to social services in the community, and also assistance to have an appeal in court if their services in the community or school has not been met or if it has been denied.

As a Vibha Milwaukee Action Center, we raise funds for the projects that are already established with in the organization in India and here in the US, but as an action center, we are also able to reach out to organizations and needs with in our own community that we feel matches our Vibha mission statements. Amongst one of the goals and putting together a fundraiser or event, we had to establish something with in the community that we wanted to donate some of the proceeds. MPS HEP was what we wanted to support and get involved in. We proposed to Vibha head quarters before our event that we wanted to donate 15% of our proceeds to go towards this cause and was approved.MPS HEP was established 1989, with re-authorization and changes made in 2002. The project is ongoing as per Federal Law, for public schools to support the homeless. As mentioned what MPS HEP is all about, we as an action center here in Milwaukee contact the organizers Cathy Klein, Sue Norris, Janice Shogres to proceed with our involvement and donation in August of 08 and kept contact with them until our event/fundraiser was completedOur Cricket Carnival Event on August 13/14 and 17th was a complete success and we were able to donate $500 to MPS HEP on Oct 14th.

On Oct 14th, 2008 Milwaukee Vibha Coordinator, Ashish Rastogi and Volunteer Marie Yang met with Janish Shogres at the MPS Administration Building where the MPS HEP program office is located. There they discussed in length about the HEP program, the needs, concerns, problems and how we can better help them in the future. Janice gave us a tour of the offices and storage rooms, and went in length about the process of admitting families into the program. Also we had a chance to talk about Vibha Milwaukee, how it was founded and what we are all about. It gave us a chance to connect and reach out to the community here in Milwaukee as an action center for Vibha.

Vibha Vibe February 28th, 2009

2009-06-13T11:46:00.001-07:00

Vibha Milwaukee held it's first major fundraising event since inception – Vibha Vibe on Feb 28th 2009 at the Centennial hall of the Milwaukee Public Library in downtown Milwaukee.

The event was billed as a multi-cultural dance and music extravaganza. We were able to get performers representing a fair smattering of diverse dance and music traditions from around the world.

The event started off with a sumptous Indian dinner featuring traditional North Indian and South Indian delicacies and dessert courtesy Mayura Restaurant, Milwaukee.

The event was em-ceed by Vibha volunteers Meenal Atre and Vishal Rohilla, who did a fabulous job holding the event together and the audience on their toes, raring for more.

The first performance was a Punjabi folk dance from India called “Bhangra” characterized by lively music and energetic dancing by a young all girl team from Oak Creek, WI, who called themselves “Milwaukee di Kuriyan”, punjabi for “Pretty women from Milwaukee”.

This was followed a totally different ut equally professional dance performance. This time it was the familiar latin american traditions of Cha-Cha, Rumba, Mambo and Bolero, all tightly choreographed into an exciting performance executed flawlessly by the ravishing duo, Kristin and Franco, from the Fred Astaire North Shore Academy. Both of them are dance teachers at this popular dance franchise on Milwaukee's east side and have won accolades regionally for their dancing, including finishing third among competitors from all over Wisconsin in the 30th Annual Trophy ball. They certainly sent the audience into raptures with their smooth and elegant pair dancing showcasing a range of latino dance traditions.

From there, the dance odyssey waltzed on to the middle east, with the next performance coming from Shaia Farid and Troupe. Shaia runs milwaukeebellydance.com, a belly dancing school in Milwaukee and enthralled us with the rest of her troupe with a moderately paced arabic-flamenco fusion dancing. They were a visual treat totally, with the lilting music, colorful costumes and the skillful dancers, lapped up equally enthusiastically by a ravenous audience.

Next, the journey zoomed right back to the subcontinent with a bollywood dance, inspired by dancing in Indian movies by the extremely talented Ms. Chandini Sridharan, who did a fabulous job treating the audience to an eclectic melange of popular numbers from recent Indian movies.

After this, we went further south through Asia on our journey, stopping at the tiny country of Laos to savor their traditional music instruments and dancing presented by the Hmong-American Friendship Association. The Hmong people have been an essential part of the Milwaukee area diaspora, post Vietnam war, with Wisconsin hosting significant Hmong communities and it was great to get a peek of their eclectic cultural heritage with the exotic dancing by little kids from the association, all brightly attired and fabulously talented – another surefire treat to the eye.

The next performance was a collection of “fusion” dancing numbers performed by students from the Indian Grad Student Association at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Particularly notable was Arul Sundaramoorthy who did some Michael Jackson covers, replete with perfect break dance moves and an energetic group fusion dance.

The odssey suddenly took a flight to ancient Greece for the next event, performed by Vibha Volunteers – Srikanth Pilla, Karthik Palaniappan and Balaji P R. This was a mime act of a funny situation involving fishermen and their daily lives, and showcasing some light hearted situations featuring the two fishermen fight for a woman's attention et al, accompanied only by background music and some fantastic emoting and acting by the three volunteers who seemed to really infuse life into the situation they were enacting and literally set the stage on fire, while they were on it, and of course, the audience caught on and enjoyed it all throughly.

Next, we crossed back to Asia briefly, to Egypt.with the Tamarind Tribal Belly Dance Company, a professional belly dance troupe out of Milwaukee, who introduced us to the nuances of the ancient art-form of egyptian belly dancing – colorful, sensuous and very graceful, this was another visual treat, that colored the evening's mood even vividly.

Just as we thought the dance odyssey was close to over, and we'd seen by now quite a few different art forms, our ears were going to be pampered next, with a solo instrumental piece by Archit Bhaskaran. All of 12 years, little Archit, who plays with the Milwaukee youth symphony and is a John Downwy Fellow, showed some amazing mastery over the piano playing a wide range of things, ranging from Indian classical carnatic notes, through Indian film music and Beethoven's “fur elise” all choreographed into a single performance, he put together himself. It was great to hear this budding musician and composer and get a taste for his wizardry.

Our next performance, was the much awaited Indian classical dance (Bharatanatyam) recital by Kripa Bhaskaran and her students from the Natyarpana Dance Academy in Brookfield, WI. Kripa is a well known name in Milwaukee cultural circles and her dance schools trains almost 300 students at any given point in time, in the ancient classical Indian dance form – Bharatanatyam. Kripa and her two students put together a fantastic performance, that showcased the artform, its hindu devotional roots, the wide range of emotions gracefully portrayed, very vivdly. One of her youngest students also gave us a brief solo performance, exposing us to more talent, Kripa's chiseling of it, and more nuances from the art form, all of which left a classic touch to the evening by now.

The evening ended on a high note with an energetic Bhangra performance by two different boy/girl Bhangra troupes coming together for a closing sequence of highly peppy and energetic numbers that sure left the crowd energized and wide awake, a fitting finale to a great evening of international dance and music, all for a great cause – Vibha.

WHAT'S NEXT???

2009-06-13T06:57:00.001-07:00

WHAT'S NEXT AFTER VIBHA VIBE???:

Vibha Milwaukee Dream Mile 5K Walk/Run (Veteran's Park Milwaukee Lake Front)
When? August 9th, 2009

Vibha Milwaukee First Annual Spelling Bee & Kids Art Activities
When? October time frame 2009

-----------------------------

Vibha Milwaukee Dream Mile 5K Walk/Run

Sunday, June 14, 2009
Vibha Milwaukee First Annual "DREAM MILE" 5K Walk/Run August 9th, 2009
What: Vibha Milwaukee First Annual "DREAM MILE" 5K Walk/Run
When: August 9th, 2009
Where: Veterans Park (Milwaukee Lake Front)
What Time: (Approximation) Registration as early as 7:30AM
Run starts 9:30AM
Walk starts 9:45AM
How Much: $20 in advance $25 at the event.

Registration for event coming soon. Start signing up!!! Contact us!!! We'll send you the information and online registrations: Email us at: mny9149@gmail.com

Beneficiaries:

Vibha Milwaukee would like to support Marines Toys For Tots Foundation in their goal and objective in providing needy families new toys for their children in hopes to build creativity hope by providing and contributing education toys during the Christmas season. “To play an active role in the development of one of our nation's most valuable natural resources - our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to improving communities in the future”

We propose to fund 20% of the Vibha Milwaukee 2009 “DREAM MILE” proceeds. Rest of proceeds to be donated to various projects in India.

Help us make a difference in Childrens lives all over the world. Take part as a volunteer. Save the date. Spread the word. Participate.

EVENT SPONSORS & OTHER NOTABLE EVENT DONATIONS & SUPPORT

2009-06-12T11:52:00.001-07:00

Updated (6/10/10)

CRICKET CARNIVAL EVENT (Aug 08) SPONSOR - Zeon Solution

VIBHA VIBE EVENT (Feb 08) SPONSOR
- Little Idia Grocieries and Spices (Event Sponsor)
- In association with Wisdom Info Tech
- Support from Mayura/Taste of India (Food for Event)

Milwaukee Dream Mile (Aug 08)
- Little India Grocieries and Spices (Event Sponsor)
- Wisdom Info Tech
- Zeon Solutions

Vibha Vibe (April 2010)
-Wisdom Info Tech (Event Sponsor)
-Little India Groceries and Spices
-Zeon Solutions
-Zee T.V.

Vibha Milwaukee Bowl For Kids Fund Raiser

2009-06-12T11:36:00.000-07:00

"Bowl For The Kids" event at AMF Bowlero on May 17, 2008 was Vibha Milwaukee's first and foremost fundraising event since the start up of the action center in January 2008.

It was encouraging and motivational to have so many people come out and support Vibha and its cause.

The event itself took about a two months planning from initial stages and turn out was beautiful.

All the participants that came to bowl paid $25 to bowl 3 games w/ soda and pizza included.

We had over 16 lanes filled with 5-6 person per lane.

All proceeds was donated to Vibha projects in India

(Pictures soon to come, keep posted)

SPECIAL THANKS

2009-06-12T11:24:00.001-07:00

Thanks to the Hindu Temple of Wisconsin, we've been able to hold so many booths and in reaching out to the Indian Community of Milwaukee.

During:

Holi 2008 (Our first booth)
Anand Mela 2008 & 2009
Shivratri 2009
Saraswati Puja 2009
and many many other countless events in 2010.

Thanks for your added support for many many more years to come!!!

Thanks to the Jain Temple for allowing a booth at the Jain Social Group during Diwali 09.

Also special thanks to the Brookfield Gurudwara and Oak Creek Gurudwara for opening up their doors in accepting us and allowing us to hold booths their as well. ( For Vibha Vibe and Dream Mile Booths)

A moment of thanks to all of University of Wisconsin Students whose worked so hard in organizing and facilitating all the booths to reach out and hold acountable booths and in raising awareness.

Other Venues and Events of Thanks:

Tamil Sangam Pongal Event at Pewaukee High School

Special thanks to:

Manju Shah - for her generous and selfless donations on so many occassions and events. Her contributions as a volunteer, donor, and project coodinator in Vibha makes her a great and valuable asset to the team.

Jayesh Patel - of Little Indian Groceries and Spices - special thanks to him for his kindness and generous sponsorships and added support through out the years.

Vibha Milwaukee Action Center Bio

2009-06-12T11:18:00.000-07:00

Vibha is a volunteer-driven non-profit organization making a difference in the lives of under-privileged children of India. Started by like-minded people in USA in 1991, Vibha currently has several action centers in USA and in India. Vibha has so far reached more than 150,000 children through 190 child development projects. Please visit www.vibha.org for more information on Vibha in USA.

Vibha has been registered in India in 2008 and is actively developing action centers, comprising of volunteers from different walks of life – students, software professionals, and retired people, anybody willing to make a difference. The primary focus of the volunteers in India is to help the child development projects in your local city. Please sign up as a Volunteer.

The Vibha Milwaukee Action Center started up January 2008, and was set up with a goal to actively contribute towards the cause and be one of the leading action centers in creating awareness and raising funds. Vibha Milwaukee now has over 30 volunteers. We are a bunch of dedicated and energetic volunteers coming from a diverse background, brought together by one strong belief that we can positively impact the future of the world. We are working towards organizing events, drives and campaigns in Milwaukee and suburban areas to create awareness about Vibha as well as to raise funds to support grass root level projects in India and the US.

Vibha’s vision is to ensure that every underprivileged child attains his or her right to education, health and opportunity.

Vibha’s mission is to educate, empower and enable every individual who wishes to make a positive difference in the life of an underprivileged child.

Vibha volunteers are the heart of the organization. Our volunteers work together to create a brighter future for thousands of underpriviledged children in India and the US. Most of the Vibha volunteers are working professionals in the US. Volunteering for Vibha is also fun! It gives you the opportunity to meet new people, make new acquaintances, network, form new friendships, and have fun socializing!

The Milwaukee Action Center volunteers meet on a monthly basis, for discussions on the projects that Vibha supports and planning for local fundraising events. The meetings are informal, relaxed and very friendly. We hope to see you at the next meeting!

To volunteer, please SIGN UP today.

Our Core Team:

Action Center Lead - Leena Gosh
Volunteer Relations Coordinator - Mukta Joshi
Sponsorship Coordinator - Meenal Atre
Events Coordinator - Leena Ghosh
Community Coordinator - Marie Yang
Financials' Coordinator - Soumya P
Technical Coordinator - Mukta Joshi