WALTHAM, MA-As we get ready to celebrate the achievements and contributions of the pillars of our community at New England Choice Awards gala on Friday, Oct. 26, we want to thank you all for your overwhelming support and commitment to our community.
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you head to the gala on Friday at Westin Hotel in Waltham, MA:
1.The event is completely sold out. There is not a single seat available. So, please do not bring any extra guest and no walk-ins allowed.
2.The dress code is black-tie or formal Indian wear.
3.You will be pleased to know that virtually every sector of our community—business, technology, non-profits, philanthropy, community, medical, academia and art and culture—are represented at this unique awards gala.
4.Everyone is assigned a table, and please do respect that. It is not possible to have the desired seats for all, it is a community celebration and ultimately it does not matter where we sit. The entire ballroom is one and we will all be together to celebrate in one place.
5.Please note that the gala is on Friday (Oct. 26), and there may be some traffic issues in the evening around the Westin Hotel in Waltham. So please, give yourself some extra time.
6.Registration begins at 6:00 pm, and the reception and cocktail hour will kick off at 6:15 pm. The Grand Ballroom doors will open at 6:45 pm and the award ceremony will start at 7:00 pm with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Dinner, catered by Masala Art, will start at 9:30 pm. You may also want to bring your dancing shoes as the dance floor will open soon after. Here is tentative schedule:
6:00 PM: Registration
6:15 PM – Reception/Cocktail
7:00 PM – Show (segment one) starts; Anu Chitrapu and Anupendra Sharma kick it off
7:05 PM – Welcome: Upendra Mishra and Dr. Manju Sheth
7:15 PM – Harvard Pilgrim CEO Michael Carson introduces Mr. Robert Kraft (After introducing Mr. Kraft, Mr. Carson will invite Mr. Kraft on the stage
7:25 PM – Honoring Mr. Kraft
7:35 PM – Keynote speech by Mr. Kraft and introducing Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
7:55 PM – Harvard Business School Dean Nitin Nohria receives the award from Mr. Kraft and speaks
8:00 PM – A dance piece by Urmi Samadar and team
8:10 PM – Award show segment two; Aditi Taylor and Mandy Pant come on stage inviting Jit Saxena to give out awards in various categories:
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Artist of the Year
Healthcare and health Educator
Philanthropist of the Year
Community Service
Youth Leadership Award
Business and Entrepreneurship
Non-Profit Organization of the Year
Art & Culture organization.
8.There is free parking. The hotel has kindly agreed to make the entire open parking lot next to the ballroom available for the event. If this lot is full, you can always drive up to the parking garage. You may be required to get a parking ticket, but you will not have to pay when you leave the garage.
9.SEE YOU TODAY, AND A BIGGGGGG THANKKKKK YOUUUUU!
With regards,
New England Choice Awards Team: Anu Chitrapu, Upendra Mishra, Mandy Pant, Anupendra Sharma, Manju Sheth and Aditi Taylor.