Local Groups Donate to Red Cross Katrina Relief

Youngstown The local branch of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, in association with the India Association of Greater Youngstown, will present a $10,000 check to the Trumbull County chapter of the American Red Cross on Mahoning Avenue in Warren on Thursday, October 19th at 1:00 p.m.

Courtesy of a fund-raising dinner dance co- hosted by the AAPIO and the IAGY in Howland on Saturday, October 15th, $16,000 total was raised, with $10,000 of the proceeds are earmarked for the American Red Cross Hurricane Rita and Hurricane Katrina relief funds.

The additional amount raised was donated to relief effort funding for the recent earthquake affecting India and Pakistan. A nominal amount of the proceeds was used to defray event expenses.

Dr. Nazim Jaffer, a local physician with Forum Health, spearheaded the campaign. He is the president of the AAPIO and is also a member of the IAGY. He and Saroj Khaterpaul, president of the IAGY worked together to organize the fundraising gala.

“Both physicians and non-physicians attended the event. It is just our way of helping out those most in need,” he said.

Jackie Bell-Wolf, director of development and marketing of the Trumbull County chapter of the American Red Cross said the contribution is paramount.

“The generosity of the people in the Mahoning Valley never fails to amaze me. Anytime theres a need, folks in the Valley come forward,” she said.

The check presentation is set for 1:00 p.m. and is open to the public.