By Corey Fischer

Bollywood Bang Brings In The Bucks

Jun 8, 2018 | 2:05 PM

Vernon’s fifth annual Bollywood Bang was a boon for local charities.

The event, which brings cultures and the community together, raised $61,000 for Vernon’s Canadian Mental Health Association, and the Family Resource Centre Society for the North Okanagan.

“This is probably one of the biggest events we’ve had in our history in terms of money raised by an outside organization,” said Scott Manjack executive director of the Family Resource Centre Society for the North Okanagan. “It is huge for us. We are very grateful to Dalvir, her team and to the event itself.”

Event coordinator Dalvir Nahal says they got great support, selling 800 tickets in just a half hour.

“This year was especially hard given my health but we really wanted to make our 5th year as fun as possible,” said event coordinator Dalvir Nahal “So with the support of my family, friends and a wonderful committee we got it done.” “I don’t discount the support from the local business either, the sponsors and prize donors played an instrumental role in ensuring we were successful”

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Since 2013, The Bollywood Bang events have raised more than $267,000 for organizations in Vernon.

“What really surprised me was how many people travelled from outside of Vernon to attend the event,” says Nahal. “I spoke to a well-known businessman from Kelowna and he said it was one of his favourite events to attend. When you hear that kind of feedback you know you are doing something right.”

Nahal says without support and encouragement from local businesses, like TD Bank, a major sponsor, Bollywood Bang is not possible.

“TD is committed to helping build strong communities in the markets we serve,” said manager Doug Brayshaw. “We are thrilled that our sponsorships have helped events like Bollywood Bang.”

Other sponsors include Emco/Kohler, Alternative Funeral, Herbal Health Centre, Sunterra Custom Homes, Hillside Winery, and Kim Heizman, whose Dj sponsorship kept the party going until midnight.

by Corey Fischer