SANTA CLARA, Calif., September 20, 2026 | More than 500 supporters, volunteers, community leaders, and friends of Home of Hope gathered Sunday evening at the Santa Clara Marriott for the organization’s 2026 Gala, celebrating 27 years of service and an impact that has reached more than 300,000 children.
Themed around the spirit of hope, service, and generosity, the Gala showcased Home of Hope’s growing network of programs and projects supporting children, families, and communities in need.
The evening began with Founder and Board Chair Dr. Nilima Sabharwal welcoming guests alongside her 11-year-old granddaughter, Kaeya Parikh, one of HOH’s youngest members and a founder and ambassador of the KEEP English program. Joined by KEEP and MEET youth volunteers, they welcomed attendees and guided them to the Heart of HOH Expo. Dr. Sabharwal highlighted HOH’s 27-year journey and its impact on more than 300,000 children through a volunteer-driven model with no paid administrative staff.
Guest of Honor Bhumi Satish Pednekar, actor, entrepreneur, climate advocate, and UNDP National Advocate, spoke about her association with Home of Hope and the communities touched through its work. Her remarks emphasized the shared responsibility to give back and create opportunities for future generations.
A film featuring stories from the field further highlighted the organization’s impact. During the evening’s pledge drive, guests responded generously, bringing Home of Hope close to its $1 million fundraising goal.
HOH President Dr. Neeti Sandhu highlighted the organization’s expanding work within local communities, including education, mentoring, feeding programs, youth leadership, and intergenerational initiatives. Among the featured efforts is the Math Excellence Program, conducted in partnership with Suman Tiwari, founder of My Learning Genie, and supported by HOH Youth Chapter volunteers.
The evening also recognized the importance of giving across generations. Longtime supporter JP Sethi, whose relationship with Home of Hope dates back to 1998, received the Legacy Impact Award for his longstanding support and commitment to community service.
The evening also recognized the importance of giving across generations. Longtime supporter JP Sethi, whose relationship with Home of Hope dates back to 1998, received the Legacy Impact Award for his longstanding support and commitment to community service.
A centerpiece of the evening was the Heart of HOH Expo, where guests explored a visual presentation of Home of Hope’s work. Each display represented a project, program, community, or group of individuals whose lives have been touched through HOH initiatives. The Expo provided guests with an opportunity to experience the organization’s 27-year journey and learn how a small effort has grown into a broad movement of community service.
The Gala was made possible through the efforts of HOH volunteers, board and committee members, youth volunteers, performers, artists, sponsors, and community partners.
Home of Hope continues to invite individuals and families to become part of its growing movement through volunteering, mentoring, supporting education, introducing new projects, and contributing to programs that create opportunities for children and communities.