ATLANTA – On Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015, in support of Nepal earthquake relief, the Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association (GAPABA) Law Foundation joined forces with the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP), the South Asian Bar Association of Georgia (SABA-GA) and the Multi-Bar Leadership Council (MBLC) to host a special Networking Happy Hour and Silent Auction.

GAPABA President-Elect David Kahng notes, “Nepal is still reeling from the devastating damage wrought by the massive earthquakes that struck the country last April.  While donations poured in immediately after the disaster, GAPABA recognizes that rebuilding efforts will likely take decades.  We wanted to raise awareness of the on-going need, while networking with other bar associations and professionals, do good while having a good time.”

Raja Ghale, Former President ,Nepalese Association in Southeast America ( NASeA ),Non-Resident Nepali Association International Coordination Council ( NRNA-ICC )Member representing USA ( 2014- 2015 ) and Former General Secretary: Asian / Pacific American Council (APAC) -Elected and representing Nepal and Nepalese for 2012-2014 delivered a heartfelt plea for his native country, and gave thanks to the four organizations.He is the only Nepali community leader invited and represented on behalf of all the nepalese community .

Hosted at Himalayan Spice, one of the only Nepali restaurants in Atlanta, a group of about sixty attorneys and professionals gathered for drinks and special appetizers, and to bid on auction items generously donated by dozens of local businesses and artists.  Also performing at the event was legal chanteuse Lily Patel, an attorney with the U.S. Dept. of Education Office of Civil Rights, whose avocation is music.  She performed impressive selections of opera, jazz, and Broadway tunes.

The effort is part of GAPABA’s 2015 Year of Service, where the Bar Association is incorporating a charitable fundraising component as part of every event.  The auction and cash donations raised about $2,500, and all proceeds will be donated to Global Giving Nepal Relief.

For more information about GAPABA, visit www.gapaba.org.