Geneva, 19 November 2009: The annual Friends of India fundraising Gala has raised more than 30,000 Swiss francs. At a glittering event held at the Ramada Park Hotel in Geneva, some 200 people dug deep into their pockets to produce what FOI founder-president Pam Walsh described as “a truly heart-warming result.”

Mrs Walsh said the funds would go to helping more disadvantaged children in India learn a musical instrument, under the special project created in memory of her late husband.

Since the fund was created almost a year ago, the Richard Walsh Music Project has provided funds for musical training and equipment at the Amalarakkini School for the Blind, in rural Tamil Nadu, which cares for more than 100 visually impaired children.

Mrs. Walsh also discussed Friends of India’s decision to focus its work on a few, selected communities.

“In these communities we provide a circle of support – basic education for children, vocational training for young women, assisted micro credit for adult women  – to help girls in every stage of their life.”

The keynote speaker at the event was the humanitarian negotiator, author and former hostage, Mr. Terry Waite. He praised FOI’s efforts in helping to bring hope to children in India and said the music project would touch the lives of children significantly.

Terry Waite speaks at FOI Gala