Binaytara’s Second Annual Gala Dinner was held on July 24, 2021, at the Crowne-Plaza Downtown Seattle and over 100 guests came out to support the organization’s efforts to eliminate global cancer care disparities. The event raised $56,387 that will help set up a CT scan service and pathology lab at Binaytara Cancer Center (BCC) in Janakpur, Nepal.

It was an exciting evening that included entertainment, delicious food, and great generosity. The evening began with a powerful speech from Mrs. Tara Shah, the co-founder and executive director of Binaytara, who spoke to the audience about the importance of their contributions and thanked them for their support.

Mrs. Tara Shah speaking to the attendees at the start of the event

“Regardless of our socio-cultural-economic background, education, race, and accomplishments, at the core of all of us is that human who cares about another human in need of help,” Mrs. Shah explained. “Binaytara's board of directors, staff, and volunteers are grateful to be surrounded by so many kind and generous friends and supporters who give us the strength and courage to take bold leaps like this cancer hospital in Nepal.”

Palpasa Manandhar dancing beautifully during the event

The evening continued with an incredible dance performance to a Nepalese song by Palpasa Manandhar. Dr. Binay Shah, the co-founder and president of Binaytara, also took to the stage and spoke about a trip he took to Nepal that inspired him to found Binaytara and dedicate his life to serving that community. The biggest auctioned prizes of the night were a trip to Nepal and Palm Desert, California.  

The final speech of the night was given by Dr. David Aboulafia, a medical oncologist at Virginia Mason, Binaytara board member, and winner of Binaytara’s 2021 Excellence in Leadership award. He spoke about his trip to BCC in March 2020, vividly illustrating for attendees the amazing and important work taking place at the hospital, and encouraged everyone to donate to the great cause.

Dr. Binay Shah presenting awards

“For me personally, as I said in my speech, the overwhelming support from people whom we know and many whom we are yet to know, is what drives me every day to do the work I do,” Mrs. Shah shares. “That display of support from everyone was another reminder of our shared humanity.”

Binaytara is deeply grateful to everyone who joined the event from individuals that took tables to those who donated and placed bids on the auction prizes. Dr. Shah and Mrs. Shah strongly believe that countries have human-made boundaries, humanity does not. The event would not have been successful without such a considerate and caring audience.

The audience practicing how to bid at the auction