11122014 Surya's Miles for Meals Campaign Raises Over 69K

SURYA'S MILES FOR MEALS CAMPAIGN
RAISES OVER $69K

CALHOUN, GA - Surya's third annual 'Miles for Meals' campaign exceeded expectations, raising $69,603 for Akshaya Patra, an NGO-run meal program that provides daily hot lunches to thousands of school children in villages in Northern India where Surya's artisan community resides, according to Satya Tiwari, president, Surya.

On Saturday, October 4, more than 48 Surya employees, customers and partners ran a half marathon in Cumming, GA, to raise money for Akshaya Patra, which means "inexhaustible vessel" in Sanskrit. Surya employees also secured donations through creative fundraising initiatives that included an ice bucket challenge, car wash, ping pong tournament, yoga class and sale of handcrafted items and baked goods. Many Surya customers also contributed funds to the campaign.

"We couldn't be more pleased about this year's Miles for Meals results," said Tiwari. "For many children, the lunchtime meal they receive from Akshaya Patra is their only meal for the day and it can make such a big difference in the lives of not only the children but also their families and the community. The Surya team truly went above and beyond this year, far exceeding our fundraising goal of $50,000, and we look forward to raising even more money for this important cause next year."

In addition to the money raised by the Miles for Meals campaign, an additional 250 school children will receive meals for a year thanks to members of Surya Rewards, Surya's customer loyalty program, who donated their Surya Points in October to Akshaya Patra.

"Surya's Miles for Meals program demonstrates the compassion and heart of the entire Surya organization and its amazing employees and partners," said Emily Rosenbaum, chief executive officer, Akshaya Patra USA. "This year, Miles for Meals runners and donors have supported 4,600 children with midday meals for a year. What an incredible feat this is and one that will be reflected in the smiles and joy of the many children who now have a chance to get the education and nutrition that will help them to truly thrive as adults. Our thanks go out to all who made this happen."

Since its inception in 2012, Surya's Miles for Meals program has raised more than $140,000 for Akshaya Patra. The organization delivers a hot, nutritious midday meal to 1.4 million children daily, and $15 feeds one child for an entire year.

11.12.14