HOPE 09 - The Grand Youth Carnival with A Cause

The grandest charity fund raiser, HOPE 09 (Help Our People Exist) in the university town of Manipal, Karnataka chose Smile Foundation as its charity partner. HOPE 09 is spearheaded by Welcome Group Graduate School of Hotel Administration (WGSHA). The carnival is beingorganised successfully since 1990-2000. The celebrations saw exclusive events lined up for enthralling two evenings at Manipal’s most picturesque venue, the Valley View Lawns on February 21-22, 2009.

HOPE 09 aimed at mobilizing more people to collectively work for a greater cause and be a part of the development process. The association of Smile Foundation with HOPE 09 aimed at ‘Catching them young.’ Today’s youth will be the decision makers and entrepreneurs tomorrow. The idea is to involve youth in the development process so that India becomes developed country.

“Education is one tool that can empower the underprivileged children and our aim is to bring the two extremes together – the privileged and underprivileged. We are glad to associate with Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration and look forward for more and more young people to stand up for making the difference,” said Naresh Chaudhary, Chief Operating Officer, Smile Foundation.

The carnival saw presence of more than 3000 youth from across all colleges in the university town of Manipal. Some of the events at HOPE 09 were Vouge (Fashion show), Battle of the Rhythm Gods (DJ Competition), Feet of Flames (Dance Competition) and the Rock Show etc.
Earlier HOPE has contributed towards causes like Orissa Cyclone 1999, Prime Minister’s Relief Fund etc besides contributing to causes of cancer, street children, HIV/AIDS etc in the past.

Partnership of Smile Foundation with WGSHA will ensure utilization of funds towards child education and welfare projects in and around Manipal.

HOPE and Smile Foundation

“It gives a wonderful feeling to associate with Smile Foundation. For the first time we have partnered with them and hope to see them our partner for all future times”, said Kulmohan Singh, Vice President, Welcome Group Graduate School of Hotel Administration.

“We are impressed with the work of Smile Foundation probably this is one reason to partner with them for such a grand carnival. I recommend Smile Foundation to use the funds raised for healthcare projects than education in areas near Manipal as it is an yearning need here”, shared Maj. Gen. (Retd.) B N Kaul, Chief Administrator, Welcome Group Graduate School of Hotel Administration.

“Every year we bring different charities with HOPE 09 but association with Smile Foundation this year has brought much applaud and gratitude to us and our Institute. The good work of Smile Foundation has influenced many youth and professionals during the carnival”, said Mr. Devansh Bole, Event Coordinator and a student, H.O.P.E. 2009.