Two members of the community – late Dhaval Mehta and Anysaa Kothari – were felicitated at the Tata Mumbai Marathon Philanthropy Awards for the highest fundraisers at the 2020 event, which were distributed by Maharashtra governor, Bhagat Singh Koshyari recently.
 

Dhaval was the son of Indira and Yatish B. Mehta, while Anysaa is the daughter of Shweta and Sunit Kothari and granddaughter of Maya and Sanjay A. Kothari.

The highest fundraiser overall was late Dhaval Mehta, who passed away in a road accident shortly before the event. He raised Rs 2.43 crore from 5,519 donors globally for the NGO Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care, which was not only the highest amount for the 2020 marathon, but also the largest sum raised by an individual across all Procam races since 2004. The Change Legend award was received by his wife Anuja.

The TMM Young Leader award for individuals below 21 years committing to raise a minimum of INR 75,000 was given to 10-year old Anyssa Kothari who collected the sum of Rs 10.69 lakh for the Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care.

Their achievements stood out among the 295 NGOs, 204 corporates, 1,424 fundraisers and over 36,000 donors who contributed for causes such as healthcare, education, animal welfare and environment and women empowerment among others.

“The impact of the Tata Mumbai Marathon resonates beyond race day. It is heartening to know that so many NGOs working for a multitude of causes have raised a record amount in donations at the 2020 edition; there cannot be a better way to symbolise the power of the human spirit. I hope all individuals and corporates will also contribute generously to the cause of Covid-19 pandemic relief effort,” said Koshyari. Since its inception, TMM has raised over Rs 315.90 crores, benefitting over 700 NGOs with the figure for 202 being a record breaking Rs 45.90 crore.