EDISON, N.J. (Diya TV) — Leap to Shine, a New Jersey-based nonprofit, raised more than $125,000 during its annual fundraiser on Sept. 13. The event brought together community leaders, choreographers, and supporters to help expand digital learning opportunities for underserved children in India.
Leap to Shine is a GuideStar Platinum-rated organization. It provides digital tablets preloaded with curriculum to underprivileged students in India. The model does not require internet connectivity for daily use. Instead, students connect briefly to Wi-Fi every two weeks to update their progress. Donors can then track the children’s learning journey.
The nonprofit directs 95 cents of every donated dollar to its programs. Its mission is to break barriers to education by giving children the tools they need to learn, grow, and succeed.
“We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our donors, volunteers, and partners,” said Keyur Shah, director at Leap to Shine. “This year, we’re excited to scale our mentorship model and expand our volunteer network to reach even more children in need.”
The highlight of the fundraiser was a dance competition called “Dancing for a Cause.” Thirteen community leaders partnered with professional choreographers for weeks of rehearsals before performing on stage. The event blended art with philanthropy and drew an enthusiastic audience.
Choreographers included Krish and Krutika from Unnati Dance Academy, Dr. Devang Modi from Simply Dance, and Shivani Badgi from Gurukul. Other notable contributors were Sangita Das and Chinmay Ashar from Shehnaz Dance Academy, along with independent artists Pavitra Jayakanth, Reshika Balayan, and Shweta Karhadkar.
The contest was judged by a distinguished panel featuring Amit Shah, Bhumit Patel, and Savitha Anand. Their evaluations added prestige to the evening’s performances.
The fundraiser also featured a keynote speech from Oscar-nominated filmmaker Adam Graves, known for his work on Anuja. Graves spoke about the global fight against child labor. He emphasized the importance of organizations like Leap to Shine in giving children access to safe and meaningful education.
Graves’ address highlighted how technology and community support can work together to create opportunities for children who may otherwise lack access to resources. His message resonated strongly with the audience and reinforced the evening’s purpose.
HSBC served as the event’s title sponsor, showcasing its corporate commitment to social causes. Individual sponsors included Shefali and Shah, Natasha and Indranil Bagchi, and Megha Bhouraskar. Their contributions helped the nonprofit surpass its fundraising goals.
The success of the event reflected the power of collective action. Community members, local businesses, and donors came together to support Leap to Shine’s mission of transforming education for children in need.
Leap to Shine has built a reputation for its innovative approach to bridging the education gap in underserved communities. By distributing digital tablets with built-in educational material, the nonprofit avoids challenges tied to limited internet access in rural areas.
Children use the devices daily, and their progress is uploaded during scheduled connections every two weeks. This process not only tracks learning outcomes but also gives donors a transparent view of the results their contributions achieve.
The nonprofit’s impact extends beyond technology. With new mentorship programs and a growing volunteer network, Leap to Shine aims to guide students through academic challenges while inspiring them to pursue higher education and career goals.
The fundraiser marked an important milestone for Leap to Shine, but it also set the stage for future growth. With the funds raised, the nonprofit plans to expand its programs, reach more students, and develop mentorship opportunities that connect children with role models.
The evening’s combination of art, community, and purpose underscored the importance of collaboration in creating social change. As Shah noted, the organization’s continued success depends on the dedication of donors, volunteers, and partners.
Leap to Shine remains committed to its mission: to give underserved children the digital tools and educational opportunities they deserve. By bringing communities together, the nonprofit continues to shine a light on the transformative power of education.
