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MAFS celebrates 33 years of community service in Chicago
The Metropolitan Asian Family Services Annual Gala brought together over 800 guests in Naperville for a night of cultural performances, awards, and appeals to support senior care programs.
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Staff Reporter - Tue, 11, Nov 2025
- 14:42 EST
- 35
Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS) Community leaders / Courtesy: Jayanti Oza
The Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS) held its Annual Gala on Nov. 1, at The Matrix Club in Naperville, Illinois. More than 800 guests from diverse backgrounds—including Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Middle Eastern, European, and Hispanic communities—attended the event, which marked MAFS’s 33rd year of service to the community.
Among the dignitaries present were Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Illinois State Representatives Michelle Mussman and Hoan Huynh, Illinois Department on Aging Director Mary Killough, Age Guide Executive Director Marla Fronczak, Barrington Mayor Paula McCombie, Aurora Alderwoman Sweta Baid, and Streamwood Park District Commissioner Raees Yawer, along with several business and community leaders.
The evening opened with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony led by MAFS executive director Santosh Kumar, Prayagraj Hule, board members, and special guests. The inauguration featured auspicious mantra chanting and a Ganesh Vandana performance by artists from NNA Academy.
In her welcome address, Kumar highlighted the organization’s mission and called for greater community involvement. She said while government support remains essential, “the collective commitment of the community is vital to fill in the gap for senior service programs, which are the lifelines for seniors.”
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The five-hour gala featured a cultural showcase headlined by Niche Entertainment, Inc., which presented a musical tribute to Indian film icon Raj Kapoor. Singers and musicians recreated classic melodies from Kapoor’s films, capturing the spirit and nostalgia of his cinematic legacy. Dancer Madhura Sane’s performance, “A Journey in Rhythm,” added to the evening’s vibrancy with expressive storytelling through movement.
Mary Killough, Director of the Illinois Department on Aging, delivered the keynote address, expressing concern about recent cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). She noted that “many older adults and families will lose their food benefits due to this cut,” but added that “it is heartening to know that in such a situation, seniors could depend on MAFS for at least one nutritious meal in a day.” She commended Kumar and MAFS for their continued work to improve seniors’ lives through Adult Day Services and Homecare programs.
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi lauded Kumar as “a saintly leader with service in her heart,” humorously telling the audience, “If you are in trouble, dial 1-800-Santosh.” He expressed pride in the contributions of South Asians to American society and reaffirmed his commitment to support vulnerable communities.
Grants director Roshita Pandey presented an overview of MAFS’s achievements, including its partnership with the University of Illinois at Chicago to create culturally tailored resources for South Asian dementia caregivers. She also highlighted the organization’s advocacy for protecting the Older Americans Act—a key funding source for aging programs—and thanked funders for their continued support amid federal budget cuts.
During the Community Awards segment, operations director Sagar Kumar and HR director Dipangi Pandya Kumar recognized several individuals and organizations for their contributions. Honorees included Mayor Paula McCombie of South Barrington (Business Leadership Award), Marla Fronczak, CEO of Age Guide (Partnership Award), and the late Shriram Sonty of the Gandhi Memorial Foundation (Promod Kumar Philanthropy Award).
MAFS Board Members Asthana and Monali Desai appealed for donations to sustain senior programs affected by funding reductions. Attendees responded generously, helping the organization meet its fundraising goal for the evening.
Musical tribute to the legendary actor and filmmaker, Mr. Raj Kapoor. Presented by Niche Entertainment, Inc. / Courtesy: Jayanti OzaEmcees Madhura Sane and Dipangi Pandya Kumar guided the program with poise and energy, keeping the audience engaged throughout. The event concluded on a high note, with attendees praising the gala as a meaningful blend of culture, nostalgia, and community spirit—a reflection of MAFS’s enduring mission to serve and uplift.
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