On December 2, 2006, Martin helped organise HOPE 2006, a fund-raiser, for the Holy Cross Convent Special School, Thane.

Slickly organised, HOPE 2006 saw 10 Bollywood stars lending their unprecedented support for this cause. Diana Hayden, Amrita Arora, Riya Sen, Raima Sen, Neha Dhupia, Arbaaz Khan, Parvin Dabas, Usman Afzal all made their presence felt along with Sophie Choudry and Sudha Chandran who performed ‘live’ on stage.

From Left to Right: Raima Sen, Neha Dhupia, Amrita Arora, Riya Sen, Arbaaz Khan, Usman Afzal, Sophie Choudry, Preeti Hinandani, Diana Hayden and Parvin Dabas

The highlight of the evening was the grand finale wherein the stars linked hands with 120 special students on stage appealing for funds as the track WE ARE THE WORLD, from Bob Geldof’s Hope ’86 played. A memorable evening! As Raima Sen aptly put it: “Just makes us realise we have so much more and are not as grateful.” Amrita Arora said, “It was really a touching experience. I am more than honoured to be a part of it.” Neha Dhupia was so engrossed with the performances of the special children that she stated: “It was a pleasure being there. I know I did get a little carried away. It was really special.”

For the record, at last count on December 5, 2006, The Sisters of Holy Cross had collected Rs 15 Lakhs through this event.

For more info write to:
Holy Cross Convent Special School
K- Villa, Thane - West
Maharashtra - 400601
Phone (022) 25397235
Email – holycrossconventspecialschool@yahoo.co.in

Corporate Info of Holy Cross

Project Estimate

On November 2004, Martin organized an event for the Orphan girls of Ma Niketan to start up a fund called Higher Education Fund. The event was a low-key one with Bollywood actor Amrita Arora as the Chief Guest. At the event the girls got to showcase their talents to a select audience. The amount raised was Rs 2.5 lakh. Today, that fund has grown to Rs 7.5 Lakh. Martin was supported by television actress Anita Kanwal in this endeavour.

The aim of the fund was to allow these girls to pursue their dreams after their basic education. A lot many girls have benefited from this fund and as the fund keeps on growing with benefactors, more and more girls are going to benefit from it.

What is Ma Niketan all about?
Ma Niketan is Haven For Little Angels. The Ma Niketan Society is a charitable Trust registered under the Societies Registrations Act & The Bombay Public Trusts Act.

Ma Niketan is a haven for homeless unfortunate children who do not have the security and love cocoon of their parents. These children have been deprived of their familial love, affection and care.

For more information log on to their official website: http://ma-niketan.com

Donations to the Higher Education Fund can be sent at the following address:
Ma-Niketan (Society of the Helpers of Mary)
2nd., Pokhran Road, Thane (West) - 400 061
Tel.: + 91 22 2534 17 73 or + 91 22 2536 69 49
Fax: +91 22 2533 60 99
E-mail:maniketan@vsnl.net

Upcoming Project: Raising Rs 1 Cr for the education of the tribal children of Gujarat.