NEW YORK (TIP): Child Rights and You America Inc, a 501c3 non-profit that works to ensure children their rights, hosted its annual benefit dinner ‘Pledge 2016’ on June 10th 2016, at The Taj Pierre in New York.

The annual event witnessed high profile guests come together to support the cause of children. Legendary actress Sharmila Tagore, Ernst & Young Partner Don MacNeal, Comedian Dan Nainan and Center 10 founder Roopa Unnikrishnan were the speakers at the event.

India has made tremendous economic strides in the last decade, but its children continue to battle deprivation of their rights. With their rights vastly ignored, millions of children are out of the safety net, forced into labor, malnourishment, abuse and illiteracy.

Speaking at Pledge 2016, Shefali Sunderlal, President, CRY America said, “Only 54% of children complete their education in India due to obstacles such as child labor, child marriage, distance from schools and gender discrimination. CRY America works with grass-root Projects, communities and local authorities to ensure children have quality education, healthcare and are protected from causes which hinder their development.”

“Investments in children are essential to a child’s and the communities well-being. Ensuring children get their due enables them to reach their full potential and realize their dreams. Thus far, CRY America has impacted the lives of 618,915 children living across 3,084 villages & slums through support to 70 Projects. This has been possible only because of the support received from 25,000 donors and 2,000 volunteers across the USA”, she added.

Legendary Indian actress, Sharmila Tagore shared, “Lack of education and healthcare holds back the development of children. Together, we have a powerful voice and the resources to help organizations like CRY ensure that children have the right to live, learn, grow and play. Support CRY America and make a difference to a child’s life and your own!”

The evening raised $110,000, which will be directed towards funding several Projects that ensure lasting change for children. Items auctioned at the dinner included paintings donated by prominent Indian Artists Ram Kumar, Jehangir Sabavala, JMS Mani, Prakash Deshmukh, Pravin Utge, & Deepa Vedhpathak; designer clothes donated by JJ Valaya, Sabyasachi, & Anita Dongre; jewelry donated by Velvetcase.com, Raj Jewels, & Amrapali; a cricket ball autographed by Saurav Ganguly, a baseball autographed by Bill & Hillary Clinton, Abbey Road Album autographed by the Beatles, among others.

Since its inception 13 years ago, CRY America has enabled people to take responsibility for the situation of underprivileged children. Sunderlal concluded, “CRY America believes that ‘YOU’ have the power to change children’s futures and give wings to their dreams. Your support will allow us to ensure that thousands of children are able to go to sleep educated, healthy and protected. Your solidarity is needed today, more than ever.” She appealed for people to join CRY America as donors, volunteers and supporters and visit www.america.cry.org for more information.