Hans Rana Gabriel, who was born with a rare heart defect, is hosting a fundraising gala on May 20 at Royal King Palace Banquet Hall called Swagat – An Evening of Giving. The event is bound to be one filled with heart, community and giving-back, not to mention a promise of being a glitzy affair.

SURREY – Hours after Hans Rana Gabriel was born, doctors realized that he was special. He was born with a rare heart defect that forced doctors to perform two emergency cardiac procedures within his first four days of life.

"He can now run at recess with the rest of the children in his class," says his proud father Jitesh Rana, a member of the local Gujarati Society of BC. "BC Children’s Hospital has given us hope that my son will live a long, healthy life."

Hans is hosting a fundraising gala on May 20 at Royal King Palace Banquet Hall called Swagat – An Evening of Giving. The event is bound to be one filled with heart, community and giving-back, not to mention a promise of being a glitzy affair with national coverage through title sponsor ZeeTV Canada.

Highlights of the evening include comedy routines by Gujarati favourites Hari & Om, garba and dandiya dancing, singing sensations Sheila Siekham and Nishant Sharma, photobooth, mehndi, silent auction, raffle draws and games, and a full menu with midnight snack. The evening will be emceed by award-winning broadcaster Shushma Datt.

The youth of the Gujarati Society of BC have banded together to support Hans in this fundraising initiative, and to host all guests throughout the evening, facilitating the mood that will definitely bring out everyone’s inner child. The Gujarati youth are participating in a cultural dance extravaganza called the ZeeTV Canada Gujarati Cultural Festival which takes place August 30 – September 4, 2016 in Vancouver with attendees and participants from across North America. The festival is produced by charity Gujarati Society of BC.

All proceeds from Swagat – An Evening of Giving will go to support BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and the cultural festival that Hans wishes to participate in one day. Hans promises to personally give a rose to anyone that is able to donate.

For tickets and more information, please contact Kala Chauhan 604-291-9070, or online at www.gujaraticulturalfestival.com.