Dhruv Patel, Kashmira Surti, Najam Patel, and Meet PatelDhruv Patel, Kashmira Surti, Najam Patel, and Meet Patel enjoy slices of mango during the tasting party outside Essex Hall on Tuesday.

Charity party will school 10 orphans

It was nice to have so many people enjoy mangoes Tuesday, says biochemistry professor Siyaram Pandey, but the real pleasure is knowing that the generosity of attendees at his party, held on the steps of Essex Hall, will help educate children in need.

The annual event featured several varieties of the tropical fruit, as well as pakoras, a spicy vegetable fritter. Students, staff and faculty donated $800 to support the Canadian World Education Foundation; Dr. Pandey will match that amount for a total contribution of $1,600.

The charity sponsors educational opportunities for schoolchildren whose mothers are widows in India, Kenya, and Tanzania.

“This amount will support the education of 10 children,” Pandey says. “I express my heartfelt gratitude to all friends for their generous support of the foundation’s invaluable work.”