For Poonam Auluck Shah, Muskaan has never simply been an organization. It is family.
Founded in New Delhi in 1982 by Shah's aunt, Dr. Shanti Auluck, Muskaan was built on the belief that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve opportunities to learn, work, contribute and live with dignity and independence.
The mission is especially personal for Shah. Her cousin Puneet, who has Down syndrome, has benefited from Muskaan's programs and now works as a busboy at Lemon Tree Hotels in New Delhi.
"Sometimes the biggest barrier isn't ability. It is opportunity," Shah says.
Today, more than 200 students and trainees are connected with Muskaan. Its programs include education, vocational training, employment opportunities, life-skills development, therapy, family support and assisted living.
Shah's parents, Dr. Rajender and Sudha Auluck, established Muskaan India Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, as Muskaan's U.S. fundraising and awareness arm. After years of smaller fundraisers, Shah wanted to introduce Muskaan's mission to the community in a bigger way.
That vision became the inaugural Smiles Forever Gala on May 2.
The evening brought together family, friends, volunteers and supporters for a celebration of community and inclusion. A Bollywood performance featured Muskaan volunteers alongside participants from KEEN Greater DC and Special Olympics, while music, an auction and personal stories helped bring the organization's mission to life.
"We didn't want people to simply come to a fundraiser, write a check and go home," Shah says. "We wanted them to experience the joy, energy, talent and possibility that exists when people are given opportunities and included."
The community responded. The first gala raised more than $200,000, with contributions continuing afterward.
Funds will support Muskaan's programs while helping create a stronger financial foundation for its future, including expanded opportunities in vocational training, employment, technology, independent living and community inclusion.
As the holiday season turns attention toward gratitude and giving, Shah hopes more people will consider making Muskaan part of their year-end giving. Support can take many forms, from volunteering and attending events to sharing Muskaan's story, building community partnerships or making a tax-deductible contribution through Muskaan India Inc.
"Awareness is a form of support," she says.
For Shah, the gala's success offered a glimpse of what can happen when a community rallies around a shared purpose.
Muskaan's message is simple: Give people opportunity, and their abilities can shine.
And when more people are given the chance to participate, contribute and belong, the entire community becomes stronger.
LEARN MORE & GIVE BACK
As the holiday season approaches, consider supporting Muskaan and its mission to create greater opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
To learn more about Muskaan, get involved or make a year-end contribution, visit: celebratingsimplejoys.org
"We wanted them to experience the joy, energy, talent and possibility that exists when people are given opportunities and included." - Poonam Auluck Shah