The Fund for Indian Subcontinent Heritage (FISH) presented its largest donation on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2025 — a $105,000 check to Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Fresno and Madera Counties to support its work helping foster youth. Photo by Ben Hensley

The Fund by Indian Subcontinent Heritage (FISH) — a philanthropic initiative of members of the South Asian Community — announced that the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County will be the beneficiary of its annual gala scheduled Sept. 6.

The funds will be used to expand the Phoenix Program, a gang and substance abuse prevention curriculum for youth ages 6-18, to Boys & Girls Clubs across Fresno County.

The program offers information on the dangers of opioid abuse, including fentanyl, as well as mentoring, life skills education and collaboration with law enforcement.

“Fentanyl overdose deaths in Fresno County have surged by over 270% in just three years,” said Annu Bezwada, Fresno attorney and board president of FISH Philanthropy. “Our partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County allows us to address this crisis head-on, expanding a proven program into neighborhoods that need it most. Together, we are investing in the future of our youth and our community.”

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County serve more than 3,300 young people annually across 14 sites, providing safe spaces, academic support and essential life skills programming, according to the release. With support from the FISH Fund Gala, the Clubs aim to expand the Phoenix Program to reach 260 additional youth across rural and urban Fresno County communities.

Founded in 2017, FISH’s annual gala has donated proceeds to a number of local community benefit organizations. Last year, FISH wrote a $105,000 check to benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Fresno and Madera Counties.

From the 2023 gala, $100,000 was donated to Breaking The Chains in its fight against human trafficking.

The FISH annual gala will be held on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Pardini’s Catering & Banquets, located at 2257 W. Shaw Ave., in Fresno. Guests will enjoy fine dining, cultural entertainment and opportunities to directly support transformative change for local youth.

More information about sponsorship opportunities, ticket sales, and event highlights will be released in the coming weeks.