By Scott Simmons
It’s the classic immigrant story.
A young man comes to New York from India to gain an education. He prospers, but never forgets his homeland, and never forgets what it’s like to be a stranger in a new land.
It also is the story of Sanjiv Sharma, who will co-host this year’s Caridad Center gala with his other half, Nadine Allen.
“Caridad in particular is close to my heart because I am a first-generation immigrant and I know how difficult it is for a first-generation family to come in here,” says Sharma, who lives in Highland Beach.
The 10th annual gala, which is Nov. 19 at the Boca Raton Resort & Club, has as its theme “Golden Age of Hollywood.”
“Mark your calendars for an exceptional, elegant evening,” Allen said in a statement. “But you may have to watch out for the paparazzi.”
Fun aside, the Caridad Center operates free medical and dental clinics west of Boynton Beach that provide health services to the uninsured, working poor families of Palm Beach County. The center literally has treated thousands of people since its founding in a trailer 17 years ago.
“In this economy, the social cost of unemployment is huge,” Sharma said. “A safety net like this benefits the whole community. It’s been an easy charity to get involved with.”
Sharma came to the United States from India about 30 years ago to study at Columbia University.
He took a year off from school because of finances, and found a position with a Wall Street firm. He now is a partner in AVM, which manages a hedge fund. He also has been involved with fund-raising for the Community Foundation.
Allen, who was born in Argentina, had a clothing boutique on Worth Avenue for many years, Sharma said, but now devotes herself to raising her 16-year-old daughter. Allen also has been involved with the charity Share Our Strength, which has a goal of ending childhood hunger.
How will Sharma and Allen dress for a Hollywood-themed ball?
“Nadine is very stylish,” Sharma says. “I may go with
a Bollywood theme.”
The Caridad Center’s gala, “Golden Age of Hollywood,” starts at 7 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. There will be silent and live auctions. Tickets: $250. Phone: 853-1622.
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