ATA Made History: 1.25 Million Raised in Detroit Fundraiser

American Telugu Association (ATA) held its board meeting in Troy, Detroit on September 11th followed by the Fundraiser Kickoff event where ATA raised 1.25 million dollars for its 17th Conference & Youth Convention to be held in Washington D.C from July 1 – 3, 2022.

The board meeting was hosted by Heartfulness Meditation Center. As part of the event, Shri Kamlesh D. Patel, Global Guide of Heartfulness, who is also known as Daaji, addressed the ATA Team, conducted meditation, and answered questions. Over ten thousand people across the world watched the program and participated in the event.

The board meeting kickstarted with the rendition of a prayer song and tributes to 9/11 victims. ATA President Bhuvanesh Boojala & Secretary Hari Prasada Reddy Lingala unveiled their financial self-sustainability vision for ATA and were ecstatic to announce that the ATA has initiated the steps towards achieving financial self-sustenance.

ATA Treasurer Sainath Reddy Boyapalli presented the financial report to the board. Funding committee led by Mr.Pinnapureddy provided investment account updates while the Membership Committee chair Narsi Reddy announced that ATA with its dynamic activities attracted 1000 new memberships in the past few months. ATA matrimonial committee chair Arundhati Koduri and Jt.Secretary RamaKrishna Reddy Ala presented the new ATA matrimonial website. Regional coordinators and various standing committees presented their reports to the board.

ATA DC Conference convener Sudheer Bandaru presented the conference updates while ATA President-elect & ATA Vedukalu chair Madhu Bommineni presented the Vedukalu schedule to be held in India across both the Telugu States and requested the support of members to take active participation and do the projects in India. Trustee Anil Boddireddy was nominated as co-chair for 2021 ATA Vedukalu. Past President Parmesh Bheemreddy appreciated the efforts of President Boojala and the entire board and thanked the Detroit team for hosting the board meeting.

Fundraising event was held at St Lucy Croatian Catholic Church that saw a huge local participation including the dignitaries across the Metro Detroit area. Mr. Madhav Reddy, HTC Global Services Founder & CEO, State Senator Jim Runestad, State Representative Padma Kuppa, Fiat Chrysler Automotive CIO Mamatha Chamarti, MI state Certificate of Need Commission member Dr.Ashok Kondur were felicitated while other prominent leaders from Detroit were recognized. ATA Co-Convenor Kiran Reddy Pasham announced that $1.25 million funds were raised. Trustee Sunny Reddy of Detroit oversaw the day’s proceedings and Trustee Kashi Kotha requested everyone to attend the 17th ATA conference. Detroit RCs Chenchu Reddy and Sunil Manduti gave Vote of Thanks appreciating the efforts of other local team members Murali Bommanaveni (past trustee & IC), Yugandhar Bhumireddy (Regional Advisor), Sreekanth Gayam (SEVA), Chandra Mouli (SEVA), Venu Suraparaju (Regional Advisor), Vinod Atmakur (Regional Advisor), Swapna Kalva (SC co-chair), and Surendra (SEVA). Dinner was served by India Flavors.