HTW Raises Funds for Nepal Earthquake Relief – May 3, 2015
HTW Raises Funds for Nepal Earthquake Relief – May 3, 2015
By Paul Gores of the Journal Sentinel May 3, 2015 Pewaukee — The Hindu Temple of Wisconsin was a mixture of heartbreak and hope on Sunday. Among the most brokenhearted was Nepal native Mithu Shrestha, a Milwaukee-area nurse, who lost a cousin in the horrific April 25 earthquake in her home country. On Sunday, Shrestha was part of a group of local Nepalese serving up their country’s food at the temple during a brunch to raise money for earthquake victims. “It’s very hard,” she said. “The people are just devastated over there.” The day’s hope was generated by the response to the fundraising event: Turnout far exceeded expectations. Shortly after noon, the parking lot of the temple was packed with cars carrying visitors ready to pay $6 each for a Nepalese meal and, in some cases, to make donations beyond that. The grounds were so full that vehicles had to park across the road in the Costco Wholesale parking lot or at nearby Shepherd of the Hills Church. The temple had anticipated about 400 people showing up, but organizers figured that it would end up being more like 700. “It’s a wonderful turnout,” said Venkat Kodali, past president of the temple and chairman of its Religious Committee. “India is always connected to Nepal – by boundary, by religion, by culture. And now, today, let us all be Nepalese.” The death count from the earthquake has topped 7,000, and the need for shelter, food and medicine is immense. The Pewaukee fundraiser’s goal was to put at least a dent in that massive need. Other donations continue to come in as…