DUBAI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Amira Nature Foods Ltd (the “Company”; NYSE: ANFI), a leading global provider of branded packaged Indian specialty rice, today announced its partnership with Family Reach to sponsor the non-profit’s Cooking Live event series. Family Reach is the only non-profit organization that provides immediate and direct financial assistance for families fighting cancer, on a national level. The 2014/15 partnership kicked off on Wednesday, May 21 in Chicago with Amira’s national sponsorship of Family Reach’s premiere fundraising event “Cooking Live,” a unique and interactive experience where some of the country’s top culinary talent worked together to prepare a five-course meal. Participating chefs were paired with young cancer patients, those who are grant recipients of Family Reach. The chefs used these patients and their moving stories as inspiration for the dishes they created and served at the event. The Cooking Live event in Chicago, the first in a series of events presented by Amira, raised close to $200,000 for Family Reach.
“At Amira, quality is at the heart of everything we do and we are committed to improving the quality of life of the communities that we serve. We are thrilled with the successful results of our first Cooking Live culinary event as it marks the beginning of our relationship and prosperous partnership that is a natural fit in bringing our vision alive,” said Karan Chanana, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Amira. “Family Reach helps improve the lives of children and families that are affected by cancer and we look forward to raising additional funds through Cooking Live events where world-renowned chef Ming Tsai prepares high quality, beautiful meals using Amira’s outstanding specialty Rice.”
Cooking Live is Family Reach’s principal fundraiser and the organization’s mission is near and dear to many celebrities and athletes including undefeated professional boxer and Notre Dame alumnus, Mike Lee. Lee served as “sous chef” for Cooking Live in Chicago working closely with chefs Ming Tsai, David Burke, Grant Achatz, Stephanie Izard and Takashi Yagihashi to prep some of the evening’s dishes.
“Our Cooking Live event in Chicago was a great success and we are very grateful for our partnership with Amira,” said Carla Tardif, Executive Director of Family Reach. “Medical emergencies are the leading cause of bankruptcy, with cancer being the leading culprit. We couldn’t do this without the support of Amira – they are the perfect partner for us because we’re both committed to improving the quality of life for Family Reach families. Cooking Live marks the beginning of our relationship with Amira and we look forward to a long and prosperous partnership with them to help further our mission.”
The Cooking Live proceeds from this event will allow Family Reach to help families pay for a variety of significant expenses that typically mount during a family member’s cancer treatment. Most often, this financial assistance comes in the form of rent and mortgage payments, as well as grants for utilities, food and groceries, transportation related expenses or medical costs not covered by health insurance – daily expenses that are often put on hold or accumulate significantly as families deal with cancer treatments.
"Food is such an amazing way to bring people together,” says Ming Tsai, Executive Chef Ambassador, Family Reach. “Cooking Live provides a dynamic way for chefs to give back. It's an incredible evening where good food is shared and critical funds are raised for those families in need. I’m particularly thrilled to welcome Amira. They’re a great company that's also committed to community improvement efforts worldwide."
Since 1996, Family Reach has nearly raised $6 million in gross contributions and has provided support to nearly 4,000 families fighting cancer. In 2014, Family Reach will help more than 1,500 families in need, more than three families per day. Cancer strikes without warning and Family Reach is there to help.
For more information, visit www.familyreach.org.
About Amira Nature Foods
Founded in 1915, Amira Nature Foods Limited (NYSE:ANFI) is a family business that has evolved into a leading global provider of Speciality Rice with sales in over 40 countries. Quality is at the heart of everything we do and Amira rice offers a dining experience that will no other brand can match. Winner of numerous prestigious international awards and recognitions, Amira is focused on making a difference by connecting people and cultures through the common language of food. For more information please visit www.amira.net
About Family Reach
Since 1996, Family Reach has been helping families with a child or parent afflicted with cancer deal with the overwhelming financial and emotional burdens of the disease. As families try to cope with months of cancer treatment, out of pocket medical expenses and everyday living costs, they often reach critical breaking point. Not only do they risk losing their homes, stability and hope, but also their ability to ensure that their loved-ones receive the vital care they need to survive. Through an effective process developed through years of collaboration with hospital social workers, Family Reach provides urgent assistance to families in a timely, compassionate manner. Family Reach is a lifeline for families fighting cancer nationwide.