Sankara Eye Foundation (SEF), USA, raised over $2.3 million at its annual gala, surpassing its fundraising goal and highlighting its mission to eliminate curable blindness in India.
The Sankara Eye Foundation (SEF), USA, celebrated its annual gala on Saturday, September 6, at the Santa Clara Marriott. The event drew more than 500 donors and patrons for an evening filled with inspiration, celebration, and generosity, ultimately raising over $2.3 million to support SEF’s mission of eliminating curable blindness in India.
Keynote speaker Jay Chaudhry, the CEO of Zscaler, delivered a heartfelt address that resonated with attendees. His journey from humble beginnings to global leadership served as a reminder of the importance of bold dreams and perseverance. Chaudhry’s contribution of $1 million significantly helped surpass the gala’s initial fundraising goal of $1.5 million.
Adding to the evening’s excitement was cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar, who participated as the Guest of Honor. Gavaskar engaged in a lively fireside chat with SEF, USA President and Co-Founder Sridharan Krishnamurthy, delighting the audience with his insights. He emphasized that just as batting centuries are built on both big hits and smaller runs, every donation—regardless of size—creates a lasting impact.
Looking ahead, SEF, USA will host its annual Bay Area Dandia event at the Santa Clara Convention Center on October 4. This highly anticipated celebration typically attracts between 5,000 to 6,000 attendees, with Early Bird tickets starting at $22.
Founded in 1998 in the Bay Area, SEF, USA began its mission by supporting a hospital in Coimbatore, which performs around 8,000 free surgeries annually. Over the years, the organization has expanded its network to 29 hospitals across 14 Indian states, collectively performing over 450,000 free eye surgeries last year.
SEF, USA’s Vision 2030 initiative aims to provide 1 million free eye surgeries each year through a financially sustainable model, where 70% of surgeries are free and 30% are paid. This approach ensures the long-term self-sufficiency of the hospitals.
For 14 consecutive years, SEF, USA has received a top 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, placing it among the top 3% of charities in the United States.
During the gala, Murali Krishnamurthy, SEF, USA’s Founder and Executive Chairman, highlighted the organization’s ongoing efforts to reach underserved states such as Bihar and West Bengal. He announced funding for four large hospital projects, all set to be inaugurated by 2026-27. These projects include the Akhand Jyoti-Rajiv Latika Jain Eye Hospital in rural Mastichak, Bihar (1,000 beds), Sankara Eye Hospital in Patna, Bihar (225 beds), the Siliguri Greater Lions Eye Hospital in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal (300 beds), and the Netaji Eye Hospital in Kolkata (90 beds).
Krishnamurthy also expressed gratitude to the dedicated volunteers of SEF, USA, whose meticulous planning and execution made the gala a seamless success.
In closing, Sridharan Krishnamurthy remarked, “With the gala’s resounding success, SEF, USA continues to strengthen its commitment to eliminate curable blindness in India. The evening was a powerful reminder of how collective compassion can restore sight and transform lives for generations to come.”
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