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Harry K Christmas Gala helps fight childhood hunger

The Harry K Christmas Gala was a successful fundraiser to fight childhood hunger in Delaware. Harry Keswani family and friends shown at the event are (l-r) Dr. Joydeep Haldar, Dr. Maria Haldar, Neepa Jani, Dr. Uday Jani, Sonia Keswani, Harry Keswani, Sanjay Kapuria, Anjali Keswani, Kajal Kapuria, Dr. Manu Sehgal, Dr. Shalini Sehgal, Dr. Reetu Singh and Dr. Vikas Batra. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
December 19, 2025

Thirteen was a lucky number for the Harry K Foundation as the nonprofit held its 13th annual Christmas Gala Dec. 13 at Rehoboth Beach Country Club. The event featured a cocktail reception, silent auction, live auction, dinner, founder’s remarks and dancing to the music of The Funsters. 

Dr. Uday Jani led the backpack challenge where attendees could purchase backpacks filled with food to be given to children to alleviate hunger over the weekends and holidays.

All funds raised go to the Harry K Foundation, whose mission is to defeat childhood hunger in Delaware.

Pausing for a photo before the crowd arrives are Neepa Jani and Dr. Uday Jani,
Harry K Foundation Executive Committee Vice President Tarrie Miller serves as emcee for the event.
Dr. Uday Jani and Harry Keswani display the Backpack Star Awards trophies given to attendees who purchased 13 or more backpacks.
Former Miss Sussex County Rebecca Bristow attended the event.
Former state auditor Kathy McGuiness and and Sen. Russ Huxtable, D-Lewes, hold up their bids to adopt a backpack program for a year.
Harry Keswani tells attendees about the backpack program to fight childhood hunger.
Attending the event are (l-r) Alex Pires, Dickie Harrison and Jack Riddle.
Enjoying the cocktail hour are Jerry and Carolyn Strum.
Gathered for a photo are (l-r) Thomas Kinnier, Michael Burke, April Armstrong and Christian Schaffer.
Sharing conversation are Aparna Patel and John Zahler.
Enjoying a libation at the gala are Peter Campanella and Kim Schaeffer.
Harry Keswani and his wife Sonia prepare for the event.
Nutan and Nikhil Divecha look over the silent auction items.
Dr. Shalini Sehgal and Dr. Manu Sehgal enjoy a dance to the tunes of The Funsters.
Alex Pires arrives with his wife Diane Cooley.
Sharing conversation during the cocktail hour are (l-r) Kevin Spence, Gene Dvornick, and Terri and Bill Suess.
The Funsters singer Nancy Curry performs the national anthem.
Bob Yesbek entertains the crowd during the cocktail hour.
Volunteers for the event are (l-r) Kathy Dill, Teri Settle, Debbie Hendrickson, Bobbie Wittenberg, Nicole Wright and Debbie Griffiths.
Harry K Foundation secretary and Gala Chair Barbara Shuster speaks to attendees during the event.
Erin Meitzler bids on a backpack.
Having a great time at the cocktail hour are Joe Masiello and Cindy Wooleyhan.
Dr. Uday Jani holds one of the trophies awarded to anyone who bids for 13 or more backpacks.
Harry K Foundation Executive Committee Vice President Tarrie Miller serves as emcee for the event.
Richard Gamble, left, and Paul Lindsey enjoy a libation together.
Chris and Alice Rausch enjoy the evening.
Dr. Vikas Batra, left, and Dr. Reetu Singh enjoy a slow dance.
Standing for the presentation of the colors are (l-r) Sen. Russ Huxtable, D-Lewes; former Speaker of the House Pete Schwartzkopf; Kelly Zolper and husband Bill Zolper, Dewey Beach town manager; Steve Smyk, former state representative; Rod McGuinness; and Sen. Eric Buckson, R-Dover South.
Drummer Ed Shockley holds down the beat for The Funsters.
Harry Keswani stands for a photo with his daughter Angie, center, and wife Sonia.

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Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs. 

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