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VOSAP gala raises $150K for disability nonprofit
Atlanta fundraiser draws 150 guests, highlights advocacy, performances, and strong community support efforts
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Staff Reporter - Mon, 27, Apr 2026
- 00:54 EDT
- 27
The event, themed ‘Empowering Ability: VOSAP Gala – Chapter: Atlanta,’ reached full capacity and raised more than $150,000 in a single evening. / VOSAP
VOSAP’s Inaugural Atlanta Gala Raises Over $150,000, as the Voice of Specially Abled People (VOSAP), a U.N. ECOSOC-recognized nonprofit, held its first fundraiser in the city on April 26, bringing together 150 attendees at Chef Dinesh Cafe in Duluth for an evening focused on disability advocacy and inclusion.
The event, themed ‘Empowering Ability: VOSAP Gala – Chapter: Atlanta,’ reached full capacity and raised more than $150,000 in a single evening, according to organizers. Attendees included community leaders, physicians, philanthropists and advocates from across the Atlanta area.
VOSAP founders Usha and Pranav Desai addressed the gathering. Usha Desai reflected on returning to Atlanta after 25 years. “Coming back to Atlanta after 25 years and seeing so many friends and people rallied behind VOSAP's mission—it is humbling and energising,” she said.
ALSO READ: U.S. fundraiser raises $200K to support disabled Indians
Singer and VOSAP ambassador Sparsh Shah performed during the event. / VOSAPChief guests included Padma Bhushan awardee Dr. Jagdish Sheth and Madhu Sheth. Dr. Sheth spoke about his personal and professional journey, including his early life as a migrant from Burma and his later work in philanthropy. He emphasized the importance of giving, noting its role in supporting nonprofit initiatives. His foundation currently supports more than 60 nonprofit organizations.
Singer and VOSAP ambassador Sparsh Shah performed during the event. Born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a rare bone disorder, Shah’s performance was a central part of the program and received strong audience response.
The Atlanta chapter of VOSAP led local outreach efforts for the gala, coordinated by community members Nimish and Parul Sevak. Organizers said outreach over the previous two months contributed to attendance and fundraising outcomes.
Additional support came from community leaders including Mustafa Ajmeri, Jatin Shah, Dr. Naresh Parikh, Dr. Dhaval Shah, Dr. Darshana Vyas, Dr. Sameer Parikh, Atul Bhingarde, Mukesh Shah and Ashish Udas, who helped expand awareness of the event.
A total of 26 volunteers, ranging in age from 14 to 75, assisted with logistics, technical support, performances and exhibitions, including presentations on assistive devices and artwork displays.
Organizers said donations from attendees, including members of the medical and professional community, contributed to surpassing the $150,000 fundraising total.
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