The Economic Times (04 May 2016)
MUMBAI: Virat Kohli Foundation has joined hands with Smile Foundation, a national level development organization, to support the cause of empowerment of underprivileged children and youth.
“Children and Youth are the next generation of students, leaders, entrepreneurs, and the future of the country and there is no better tool other than education to empower them.
“This initiative is not just about fulfilling their basic needs, but making them able to take care of their own needs and giving them an opportunity to learn, equipping them to face challenges and preparing them to be tomorrow’s leaders. I am glad to be associated with Smile Foundation and contribute towards this endeavour,” Kohli said in a statement.
As a first step towards this endeavour, a one-of-its-kind charity dinner in Mumbai is going to be organised in June.
Kohli himself will host the charity dinner, which will be attended by eminent cricketers, industry stalwarts, corporate honchos, Bollywood personalities and achievers from diverse fields.
The experiential evening will have a five course Michelin starred dinner curated by Chef Vikas Khanna for 200 distinguished guests. Also, there will be an auction of luxury items as well as high power entertainment to bring the evening alive.
Khanna, Global Ambassador for Smile Foundation said: “Proper nutrition is crucial for our younger generation and to ensure that they are surging ahead towards building a stronger India. My association with Smile Foundation is towards ensuring that no child misses out on education because of the lack of nutrition.”
Khanna has also pledged to auction the 12th copy of the limited edition of “Utsav – a culinary epic of Indian festivals” at the event to support the campaign of #Milliondollar4Nutrition which aims at raising funds to support Nutrition for less privileged children.