United Mangaloreans Kuwait (UMK), a group of like-minded people whose aim and dream of helping the underprivileged turned into reality for the seventh time during their 'Fun-Filled Evening 2017', has donated a sum of over Rs 38 lac to two institutions for the needy in Dakshina Kannada district.

UMK had staged a successful fullhouse show 'Fun-Filled Evening 2017' to gather funds for a charitable cause. It was presented to a large audience of over a thousand people at the American International School, Maidan Hawally on November 10. The event comprised of melodious songs, foot-tapping dances and a Konkani social comedy drama ‘Mit Mirsang’, written and directed by Ronald D’Souza, Mulky.

The proceeds of INR 38,31,652 in all, was donated to Vimukti, (rehabilitation center for metally challenged children), Beltangady and Mount Rosary Charitable Institutions (shelter for aged, sick, destitute and dyeing people) in Alangar, Moodbidri.

UMK members handed over the cheques to Fr Vinod Mascarenhas of Vimukti and Msgr Edwin Pinto of Mount Rosary Charitable Institutions and spent some time there with the sick, elderly, physically and mentally challenged inmates. The residents entertained the guests with their talents.

Fr Vinod and Msgr Edwin Pinto thanked UMK and its generous supporters and assured all keeping them in their prayers.

The UMK members who visited the Ashrams to hand over the cheques are Agnel Saldanha (leader of UMK) Fr Vincent Victor Menezes, Leo Pinto, Stany D’Souza, Sathish Saldanha, Sujatha Saldanha, Pramila Saldanha, Sharu Pereira and Amanda Saldanha.

So far, UMK has contributed Indian Rs 1.44 crore (Rs. 14 million) in eight years to nine needy institutions by staging seven shows under the main motto of helping the underprivileged.

On behalf of UMK family, Gurkar Agnel Saldanha expresses his gratitude to all the generous sponsors, well-wishers, and the audience who wholeheartedly supported and contributed for the noble cause of UMK with providing an encouragement to UMK’s new faces and talents.