NEW YORK
The Goan Association of New York's annual Feast of St Francis Xavier at St Luke's School hall in Whitestone on December 8 brought together over 125 members of the Goan community.
The day commenced with a well-attended Holy Mass, setting a reverent tone for the festivities to follow. This was followed by a celebration in the School Hall which was decorated by the committee members.
The Master of Ceremonies Ralph Dias started the event with the traditional Goan March . After that the Goan Association of New York President Abigail Couto welcomed the gathering consisting of over 125 guests.
Abigail thanked the sponsors and members and praised the committee for their hard work and dedication. She outlined some of the work done by the association in New York and in India.
The association had a silent auction of a marzipan cake donated by one of the committee members. Some families also brought an unwrapped gift to be donated to the needy kids in New York. The array of raffle baskets dazzled the crowd and the proceeds of which will 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.
There was foot tapping music from DJ Evette in addition to some live music from her, keeping the crowd well entertained. There was also some melodies from the young singing star, Leanne Rodrigues.
The arrival of Santa with gifts and goodies for the kids is a tradition which the kids absolutely enjoyed. The feast cake was cut and the members sang the traditional feast song.
A sumptuous lunch of Goan, Indian and Portuguese delicacies was catered by Spice symphony, The Order and O Lavrador, along with a special display of the Goan pigling. The Sorpotel was sponsored by The Order and made by the committee members and friends and it was a huge hit. The wine for the event was sponsored by New York wine exchange / Couto family.
The entire event was coordinated by the Goan Association of New York committee.
“Keeping the spirit of Goemkarponn alive in New York” is key for the Association and bringing families together is its mission.
