Bollywood makes it rain

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The Guru Nanak Seva Society is proud to announce this year's Bollywood Bang event raised $61,000.

The money raised will go a long way in helping the Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon and the Family Resource Centre Society for the North Okanagan.

"CMHA is so grateful for this support. These funds will go towards mental health education programs," said Julia Payson, executive director of CMHA Vernon. "We know that more than half of us who suffer from mental health symptoms don't seek help because of stigma, and with this community support, we can change this. Thank you to all of the incredible community volunteers and leaders who bring this event together"

"This is probably one of the biggest events we've had in our history in terms of money raised by an outside organization," said Scott Manjack, executive director of the Family Resource Centre Society for the North Okanagan. "It is huge for us. We are very grateful to Dalvir, her team and to the event itself."

Since 2013, Bollywood Bang events have raised more than $267,000 for organizations in the North Okanagan.

"This year was especially hard given my health but we really wanted to make our fifth year as fun as possible," said event coordinator Dalvir Nahal. "So with the support of my family, friends and a wonderful committee, we got it done."

Bollywood Bang has grown into an event anticipated not only in the Okanagan, but throughout the British Columbia. 
 
Nahal said she is truly humbled at how successful Bollywood Bang has become.

"What really surprised me was how many people travelled from outside of Vernon to attend the event. I spoke to a well-known businessman from Kelowna and he said it was one of his favourite events to attend. When you hear that kind of feedback you know you are doing something right." 

TD Bank is a major sponsor of Bollywood Bang. Nahal said without support and encouragement from local businesses, Bollywood Bang is not possible. 

"TD is committed to helping build strong communities in the markets we serve," said manager Doug Brayshaw. "We are thrilled that our sponsorships have helped events like Bollywood Bang." 

Other sponsors include Emco/Kohler, Alternative Funeral, Herbal Health Centre, Sunterra Custom Homes, Hillside Winery, and Kim Heizman, whose DJ sponsorship kept the party going until midnight.