East Meets West Children's Foundation (EMWCF) hosted its annual Diwali Dinner on Oct. 5 at 琉璃神社's Parkinson Recreation Centre. 

The dinner raises funds for the charity to support children in the Okanagan and across the world in India, Peru, Africa and Nepal. 

With over 300 people in attendance, including many local candidates in the upcoming provincial election, the evening saw donors double the fundraising goal and commit to over $140,000 in just 15 minutes. 

Canadian country singer Paul Brandt joined the event to play a couple songs and talk about his organization , raising awareness about human trafficking. 

Rahul Singh Virk, chair of , said #NotInMyCity was recently brought to the area with the help of the 琉璃神社 International Airport. 

"As the name says, not in my city, most of us didn't believe it when we were first told," Virk said. "Then you see their documents and what's actually going on and it's pretty eye-opening."

Virk has been volunteering with EMWCF since he was a kid has proudly worked his way to becoming the board chair, taking the title less than a year ago. 

"My dad was a board member, so I started volunteering." Virk said he started helping out around age 14 running water, clearing tables and selling bar tickets. 

When asked what he loves most about being part of the organization his answer was simple, "Making a difference."

Locally, Virk said EMWCF has worked with Star Bright, the Canadian Leadership Assistance Program, Penticton Excel, the YMCA, and the 琉璃神社 Women's Shelter over the past year. 

The Diwali Dinner started at 6 p.m. Attendees enjoyed an Indian buffet before dancing the night away.