Aaj ka Arjun builds kids’ tomorrow

Arjun Rampal

April brought Arjun Rampal the kind of joy that only the best of his films have. For most part of the month, the actor - an ambassador for Child Rights and You (CRY) - was in the US, serving as the guest of honour for the not-for-profit organisation's galas. Now, it has emerged that he raised 1.5 million dollars through the fundraisers, becoming the first Indian actor to do so for CRY America in a month.

Rampal, who has been associated with the NGO for the past 10 years, was the guest of honour at five events, beginning with New York, followed by galas at Houston, San Diego, Seattle, and Bay Area in San Francisco. Shefali Sunderlal, President, CRY America, believes the star's presence drew high net-worth individuals, comprising mostly NRIs, who donated generously to the cause of children's health and education. Sunderlal said, "Arjun's perseverance and charisma played a pivotal role in raising a whopping $1.5 million for children's rights. He will be remembered as a beloved child rights champion by our donors, volunteers, staff and the thousands of children that will benefit from his support."

The proceeds will be directed to local NGOs in north and east India, where it will be used to meet the health and educational needs of thousands of children. Rampal thanked the foundation's supporters for "touching the lives of nearly 8,00,000 underprivileged children."