The Goan Association of New York committee consists of (from L to R) Rosy Rustomji, Sandra Stevens, Deby Couto, Emirita DeSouza, Abigail Couto, Melba deCorlaSouza, Marwin Saldanha, Wilma Pinto, Avril D’Costa, Mabel Fernandes and Marilyn Pinto.
NEW YORK
Reaching out to needy kids in New York and charities in Goa and Maharashtra was one of the focus areas for the Goan Association of New York, as it celebrated the Feast of St Francis Xavier at St Luke’s Church hall in Whitestone, New York on December 3.
The Association traditionally celebrates the Feast on the first Sunday in December. The celebration started with Holy Mass which was well attended by the Goan community.
This was followed by a celebration in the Church Hall.
The hall was beautifully decorated by the members. Appetisers were served and the Goan Association of New York President Abigail Couto welcomed the gathering consisting of over 100 guests.
Abigail thanked the sponsors and members and praised the committee for their hard work and dedication.
CHARITY
Families brought an unwrapped gift which will be donated to the needy kids in New York. There was a beautiful array of raffle baskets the proceeds of which help the association’s different charities in Goa, Mumbai and Nashik.
The association has helped orphanages, home for the aged and hospices in India and will continue the good work.
CELEBRATIONS
With DJ Evette in attendance, there was foot-tapping music to keep the guests entertained. The arrival of Santa with gifts and goodies for the kids is a tradition which the kids enjoyed. A feast cake was cut and the members sang the traditional feast song.
Santa along with children at the St Luke’s Church hall in Whitestone, New York.
A sumptuous lunch of Goan, Indian and Portuguese delicacies was catered by Spice symphony, The Order and O Lavrador. Goan sorpotel especially made by the committee and friends was a huge hit. The sorpotel was sponsored by The Order, and wine by the Couto family.
COMMITTEE
The entire event was coordinated by Goan Association of New York President Abigail Couto and her team.
“Keeping the spirit of Goemkarponn alive in New York is key for the Association and bringing families together is its mission,” said Abigail.
The present committee of the Goan Association of New York consists of Abigail Couto (President), Melba DeCorlaSouza (Vice President), Emirita DeSouza (Secretary), Marwin Saldanha (Treasurer), Mabel Fernandes (Correspondence Secretary), Rosy Rustomji and Marilyn Pinto (committee members), and Sandra Stevens, Deby Couto, Wilma Pinto and Avril D’Costa (ex-officio members).
