AWUM from the Heart 2025

Deepest thanks to those who attended AWUM from the Heart 2025
on October 1, 2025. It was a gorgeous fall evening with new and
long-time friends. We are eternally grateful for our time together.

We had so many amazing artistic presenters this year:
Txhee Belinda Xiong and Cydi Inlights (& company)!
Special acknowledgement to Shakun Maheshwari and
Reena Maheshwari for the henna art as well as Shakun’s inspiring
keynote presentation on “Ordinary to Extraordinary”,
the arts education COMPAS project at our House of Peace shelter
(funded by the Metro Regional Arts Council).

We acknowledge the intrepid staff at ModernWell, and above all,
we thank all our guests & donors — you all (in-person & from afar)
helped us to raise the most we’ve ever collected in past galas!
YOU make all the difference in our annual event!

From AWUM’s hearts to yours, THANK YOU!

AWUM sincerely acknowledges the following for in-kind donations & volunteer time: 
Debra Hilstrom (Silver Level sponsor), Alexis Bailly Vineyards, Bau Yang, Ben Gaddis, Caribou Coffee,
Chaya Garg, Clara Haycraft, Connie Korman, Double Shotz Liquor, Four Seasons Hotel–Mpls,
Gabe's Neighborhood Bar & Kitchen, Gourmet Gift Baskets, Handy Mr. Ma'am, India Palace,
Jan Rolloff (Urban Village Salon), Joshua Grooliers, Judy & David Lucking, Linna Vang, Minnesota Opera, Minnesota Orchestra, Minnesota State Fair, Nancy & Grace Wong, Nayana Jha, Neelam Singh,
Okome House Japanese Restaurant, Petite Salon, Reena Maheshwari, Robert & Miriam Schlaugh,
Rustic Roots Winery, Sarah Turino–Seven Sisters SomaYoga, Savita & Ramesh Harjani,
Selene & Korra Yang, Shakun Maheshwari, Sheng Lor, Shoua Kong, Sipra Jha,
Sundeep & Tara Dev, Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Txhee Belinda Xiong,
The Wine Thief & Ale Jail, Xue Lo & Yamini Jha-Korman.

Photos by Ramesh Harjani