THE NARAYAN R. SANWAL CHARITABLE GIVING FUND
Narayan Sanwal was a true child of the Bay Area; born in San Francisco and raised in the East Bay. He loved growing up here, living here, and taking in everything the area had to offer. He loved his community.
Every room he entered, Narayan shined his bright light, contagious laugh, and generous nature for his friends, family and everyone around him. He was a perpetually moving, fun-loving, funny, vibrant free spirit, with an appetite for adventure. He was rich in friendships, and the joy he spread is our greatest gift. Narayan especially loved his Bay Area sports teams, and frequently participated in local sports, and other activities around the bay.
His family is honored to remember Narayan and his philanthropic spirit by creating “The Narayan R. Sanwal Charitable Giving Fund” which makes monetary donations, in his name, to local organizations that enrich the lives of our most under served communities. Our mission is to focus on the things that were important to Narayan: Sports, Fitness, Educational Opportunities, and Hunger Abatement.
We are excited for the future and the countless humanitarian opportunities that lie ahead.
With much love and thanks,
The Family of Narayan Raymond Sanwal
Philanthropy:
The Narayan R. Sanwal Scholarship
Every year, the family of Narayan Sanwal donates $1,000 to The Contra Costa College Scholarship Fund, to support students in need, who will be continuing their education at a 4-year institution.
In addition, Narayan's family donates $500 to the Contra Costa/Solano County Food Bank, in his name, since hunger in his community was always a concern for Narayan.
The Global pandemic definitely put a damper on our fundraising efforts as large group gatherings were discontinued. In the future, we may continue to hold fundraisers, but in the meantime, if you are interested in what we have done in the past, please see below. We always love, miss and remember you, Narayan!
Our Work With CCC STEM Program
L to R: Sharmeela Sanwal, Zalma Gallardo, Surinder Sanwal
2021 Metas Recipient: Blanca Cortes
2020 Metas Recipient: Kassandra Ruiz
2019 Metas Recipient: Zalma Gallardo
Congratulations Graduates!
Link to photos of first annual event here.
Photos courtesy of Robin D. Lopez, "Shots from Richmond."
Our Work With the Contra Costa College Foundation
A slideshow dedicated to my love by Briseida Orellana
Scenes from a joyful life
Narayan Sanwal was always ready with a helping hand for friends, family and people in his community. He had a big heart, and often wore it on his sleeve.
Everyone who knew Narayan knows he was full of compassion and empathy, with a truly generous, giving spirit. He was a caring, thoughtful and devoted son, brother, boyfriend and friend. His actions demonstrated his devotion.
He regularly reached out to friends and family, and kept people close. Frequently "face timing," always offering encouragement, support, or just his time.
Narayan innately knew what was important in life: Relationships. He had many gifts, but his emotional intelligence was his greatest, which belied his years.
If you needed help with a move, a ride to the airport, a place to stay, a trainer to get you in shape, a tour guide, a babysitter, a home cooked meal, or just someone to make you belly laugh, everyone knows Narayan would be there for them, with his constant companion, Marlo, a shih tzu rescue, in tow.
Everyone also knows how much he loved children. He relished giving them presents for no particular occasion. Narayan spent many days having fun with friends' and relatives' kids. The activities he enjoyed with the kids are too numerous for this space. Suffice it to say, he was a big kid himself, and his enthusiasm was infectious and contagious.
Some things you may not know about Narayan:
He often fed the homeless in local encampments around the communities of El Sobrante, Berkeley and Oakland.
He volunteered to pick up and distribute boxes of produce to needy families.
He inspired and mentored the young people in his life. He loved the idea of imparting wisdom, and in his own style, empowering them.
He never refused a friend who needed financial assistance - to start a business, or just to pay bills.
Narayan loved to travel and said "it is one of the things you could buy that is guaranteed to make you richer." He wanted his friends to share in these experiences, and paid for trips. He often inspired the same generosity and adventure in others.
He was socially conscious and aware of injustice in his community. Therefore, he was genuinely excited when he had the opportunity to share his good fortune. In retrospect, he was spreading love. And he did so without any fanfare or expectations.
His family is proud to honor his humanity and compassionate nature, and continue his legacy through The Narayan R. Sanwal Charitable Giving Fund, a donor-advised fund.
In his name, we support local community organizations that are improving the lives of under served children, families, and the homeless. Our mission is to focus on the things that were important to Narayan: Sports, Fitness, Education and Hunger-Abatement programs.
Everyone loved Narayan because of how he made them feel-seen, heard, and happy-always laughing and telling jokes and stories..
Narayan's vibrant spirit will never be extinguished in our hearts, our souls and our memories.
As Narayan would say: "That's what's up!"
News and Information
OUR FIRST ANNUAL FUNDRAISER WAS A ROUSING SUCCESS!
All the proceeds raised were gifted to the Contra Costa College Foundation. The CCC STEM Program, "Metas" awarded scholarships to each of its graduates, with a special academic scholarship awarded to Kassandra Ruiz who will attend UC Berkeley.
We were also able to award a $3,000 Narayan R. Sanwal Academic Scholarship to Nathalie Zaldivar, who will be studying mechanical engineering in the fall.
Many of these students are first generation college graduates who are working hard to achieve their life goals.
Thank you to everyone who showed their support by coming to the event, buying raffle tickets, bidding on the silent auction items, playing games, buying the merchandise, eating the food, and spending a few hours with us.
WE HOPE YOU HAD A GREAT TIME!
SINCE 2020/2021 IS NOT THE YEAR TO HOST ANOTHER EVENT, PLEASE STAY SAFE, AND CHECK BACK FOR DETAILS ON FUTURE FUNDRAISING EFFORTS.
Link to Photo Booth Pics HERE
Link to Event Photos HERE
Thank you Aaron Betts and Robin D. Lopez for your photography skills!
Thank you to the San Francisco 49ers Organization for your generous donation to our silent auction!
Go Niners!
Raffle winner A.J. and guest. Looks like you are enjoying the view from the deck!
NS MERCH FOR SALE:
T-SHIRTS $12
LANYARDS $2
STICKERS AND BRACELETS $1
A GREAT TIME WAS HAD BY ALL! THANK YOU TO ALL WHO CAME BY!
March 23, 2019
Hercules Swim and Community Center
Hercules, CA
Thank you to all who loved Narayan, and who attended this beautiful celebration of the life and times of Ny. To those who were not able to attend, we felt your hearts were with us. Thank you to Renato Foz, emcee extraordinaire. Many thanks also to our speakers who shared their experiences of life with Narayan (Niny). Harris Amari, Joel Rubin, Eric Porter, Raquel Macchia, Alex Hernandez, Roy Polk, Francis Sandico, Jeremy Bardwell.
LINK TO PHOTOS AND VIDEOS COURTESY OF ROBIN D. LOPEZ:
Friends of Narayan
"Hoop and Kick It" Celebration
December 30, 2018
Link to photos courtesy of Robin D. Lopez
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