By: Dylon D’Souza

USA, Dec 21: The Mangalorean Catholic Association EC Inc, USA (MCA-EC Inc) celebrated their annual 'Christmas Gala 2015' on December 19 at Akbar Banquet Hall, Edison, New Jersey.

Over 370 people from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Indianapolis, Virginia, California and Connecticut areas gathered together for this celebration. Arine Aranha(vice-president) kick-started the program by welcoming all the guests and introducing the emcees for the initial part of the program who were none other than the MCA’s favorite teens, Clayton Monis and Susanna D’Souza. They did an outstanding job in keeping up the tempo of the event and entertaining the guests.

At the entrance the guests had their holiday pictures taken by a professional photographer from Cosmic Media against a beautiful Christmas backdrop. The decorations of the venue were designed and put up by Party Zenith LLC (partners– Arine Aranha and Bernie D'Souza) along with the help of some dedicated volunteers. Once everyone had time to meet and greet their friends and acquaintances, it was time for some delicious appetizers. During this time there was 'carol singing' by some talented kids and adults from the association to chime in the spirit of Christmas. As the carol singing drew to a close, Mr and Mrs Santa walked into the hall followed by all the kids for a Christmas march across the hall. They delighted all the kids by giving them goody bags filled with chocolate candies.

MCA-EC youth put up a fabulous light show performance, coordinated by Arine Aranha, on the Christmas theme which was a first ever for the organization. It was very impressive to see their co-ordination and the amazing images they conjured up to the beat of the music. Not to be outdone, the younger kids put up a candy dance show which was loved by all. They all looked gorgeous in their Christmas themed outfits. The evening was galore with everyone in their beautiful festive outfits and the special magic that was brought about by the riveting music of DJ Gladson Cardoza. For the dance session there was captivating live performance and emceeing by Ernest D’Souza who kept everyone grooving on the dance floor.

MCA-EC's president, Mark Mendonca thanked everyone for their support during the year and introduced the executive board along with their spouses to the members- Arine Aranha (vice-president), Dylon D’Souza(general secretary), Rodney Quadros (treasurer) and Paul Quadras (regional coordinator). Dylon D’Souza(general secretary) introduced each of the sponsors. The sponsors were thanked and felicitated by presenting a token gift. The sponsors for the event were Babco Foods (Bob and Olivia Vaz), Golden Era and Second Innings ( Ajay Patel), Atlantic Subsea (Vinod Menezes), DTDC (Harry Pinto), Deen Fashions(Harish and Naveen), NORMASCO (Vincent Fernandes) and Arun Menezes.

The MCA—EC has made great strides since the beginning of this year when it was registered as a 501(C)(3) organization. The board this year, has put in tremendous efforts to lay the foundation to propel the organization in the right direction. During this event, Meldon Mendonca and Darrel D’Souza, the two teens fostering the program 'For the kids, by the kids', spoke a few words about this program, encouraging others to join them. The objective of the program is to help educate the high school children in India who excel academically, but lack financial resources in completing studies and is funded by the high school children in the USA by generating the funds through their efforts.

At the show, prizes were given out to the Virtual Crib contest winners – Jaden Pinto (1st place), Luke Menezes (2nd place) and Jonathan Pinto (3rd place). There was also a Christmas raffle and the winners won spectacular prizes, first prize being, two roundtrip JetBlue tickets for within the USA. There were numerous other raffle prizes given out such as wine baskets, specialty chocolate baskets and gift certificates.

The vote of thanks was given by Rodney Quadros who thanked everyone on behalf of the executive board for their efforts in putting up a fabulous event. Special thanks were rendered to all the various volunteers and the participants who put in time and effort for the light show, candy dance, Christmas carols and for those who came to help decorate the hall. 

The MCA-EC executive board wishes all its families, friends and everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year 2015.

Candy dance: Isha, Kiera, Angeline, Ava, Ross, Nathan, Joey, Matthew

Carol singing: Barbara, Venisha, Shilpa, Vanitha, Joyline, Saritha, Josline, Merlin, Violet, Anita, Bernie, Gladwin, Vijai, Venora, Melanie, Michelle

Light Show: Melody, Ross, Michelle, Venora, Nikki, Melanie, Cleon, Jayden, Meldon, Jonathan, Orran, Darryl, Susanna

Carol singing music was composed by: Vijai.