TOMS RIVER – The Monmouth Ocean County Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (MOCAAPI) donated a total of $300,000 to local organizations, continuing their pledge to help the community.
MOCAAPI donated $150,000 each for a food bank and an Indian Cultural Center in Toms River.
The Association has raised more than $500,000 over the years through annual charitable galas, popular golf outings and other events. They plan on pursuing more work in order to make impactful donations.
“It was a long-time dream of MOCAAPI members to make an impactful donation which is being fulfilled today by making a $150,000 donation to Fulfill Food Bank of Monmouth Ocean Counties and $150,000 to the Indian Cultural & Community Center to build a much needed Community Hall in Toms River,” MOCAAPI President Dr. Avinash Gupta said. “With everyone’s participation, generosity, and thanks to our past presidents’ efforts, we have been able to raise over $500,000 over the years.”
The nonprofit organization was created in 2003 and continues to bring together all stakeholders in the healthcare space while supporting local charitable causes.
During the peak of COVID-19, MOCAAPI has partnered with OCHD (Ocean County Health Department) to vaccinate thousands of residents. They’ve also distributed hot meals to health care workers in local hospitals and vaccination centers as well as distributed blankets to the homeless.
Physicians from MOCAAPI who volunteered at OCHD were presented with a proclamation from the NJ state senate and general assembly, awarded Healthcare Hero Award by the CMC Board of Trustees.
Attending the event were Fulfill’s new CEO and President Triada Stampas along with Fulfill’s Director of Development Linda Kellner. MOCAAPI’s donate will provide 450,000 meals, Stampas said.
In addition, Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy and Commissioner Virginia Haines recognized MOCAAPI doctors for their service to the community during the pandemic.
“Dr. Bankim Shah, Mr. Pravin Parekh among several others from ICCC expressed their appreciation and said it will fulfill the need of the growing Indian community in the area. They greatly appreciated the leadership of generosity of Drs. Avinash and Geeta Gupta for a personal matching donation of $150,000 to the Indian Cultural and Community Center to build a community hall where children can learn about our culture and heritage, senior citizens center, yoga, health care camps, fundraising events and celebrate festivals together,” MOCAAPI stated.
