Dosa. Idly. Gobi Manchurian. Masala Chai. Stuffed Kulcha.

For the past month or so, every evening when I wandered through Dosa-i Place, the ICC South Indian café, I would see groups of people, usually in fitness gear munching on some delicious food, planning with a passion and visioning with a purpose.

Soon after I was introduced to some of the most dedicated, intelligent and thoughtful individuals, who approached Bala, an ICC Board Member and volunteer and asked a simple question . . . .

"How can we, as community members contribute, make the ICC not just survive, but thrive?"

The India Community Center, a registered 501(c)3 non-profit, is home to over 1200 members, and offers a variety of programs, including a health and wellness center, kids camps, senior programs, table tennis, and cultural programs. In addition, the ICC offers services to those in need, a free medical clinic, legal clinic, career resource center, outreach to seniors in the community and informative talks and discussions.

 Being a charity with a variety of programs and services available to a wide section of the community, Bala emphasized that our greatest need right now is financial, because in this economy donations to keep our programs vibrant and services open, is more critical than ever.

The response was immediate and swift. The Stay Fit group within a matter of days mobilized ICC members, staff, volunteers, sponsors and donors to create an event that was not only wildly entertaining, but truly unique - being the first member-led, member-driven and member-organized fundraising event.

Outside was a Santa for the kids, professional photograph shoots, free chair massages and delicious Indian food and drinks. Inside was a variety of entertainment, including ICC Teen Bollywood performances, ICC Senior performances (Jollywood), Karaoke performances, solo member performances, Stay-Fit Group Dance Performances, Instrumental Performances & DJ Salim.

Going into the late hours of the night, I can honestly say that the Annual ICC Winter Fundraising Bash was not only a blast for those who attended, but embodied the essence of community - uniting, serving and celebrating.