Bollywood brings big bucks

Contributed - CASTANET May 15, 2016 / 5:51 pm |

It was a big, noisy party that attracted a sold-out crowd to the Vernon Recreation Centre for the annual Bollywood Bang fundraiser. The event raised money for the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Upper Room Mission. "We raised more than $48,000," said organizer Vernon City Council member Dalvir Nahal. "People were very generous, and at one point in the evening Vernon firms were egging each other on in a bidding war for donations." The funds will be split 65/35 with the larger amount going to CMHA. Nahal said that is is part of the Sikh philosophy to give back to the community, with either time, goods or money through the Guru Nanak Society. Locally, they have funded one of the rooms at Vernon General Hospital and in Vancouver have raised funds for a ward at the Childrens' Hospital. Although she is not an event planner, Nahal is looking to expand Bollywood Bang next year, with the possibility of holding it outdoors so that a larger crowd can be accommodated.