Nearly $30,000 was raised during Seva Foundationinaugural fundraising gala in Surrey on Saturday, November 2.

The “Casino Royale” themed event was held at the Empress Palace Ballroom in Newton, where more than 400 people gathered for an evening of glitz, glamor and giving back to the community.

Guests supported the foundation’s community initiatives during an evening filled with entertainment, including an Elvis tribute show, casino-style games and charity auctions.

The gala raised significant funds to support the Seva Foundation’s community projects carried out in the spirit of “seva”, or selfless service.

The roots of the foundation lie in Seva Thrift Storeopened on Scott Road eight years ago with a concept to reuse, recycle and repurpose Indian clothing.

“Over the years,” said Raj Arneja, event organizer and Seva Foundation fundraiser, “we have helped so many people women enter the workforcefor older widows who give them a new lease and now love volunteering at Seva. Eventually we became a charity, the Seva Foundation.

“Our initiative now is to raise critical funds and advance our goals of establishing and championing programs and services to address health inequities experienced by women from marginalized groups, with a focus on immigrants and refugees.