On the inside... The Whist Drive..... - Goan Association of New Jersey

REMINISCING DOWN MEMORY LANE – 20 glorious years
Valerie Moniz
Twenty years ago a few Goans met to discuss the hosting of a dance in New Jersey.
That germ of an idea led to the formation of the Goan Association of New Jersey, Inc.,
an organization dedicated to promoting Goan culture, sharing our common heritage and bonding
with other Goans in the region.
That first Christmas dance in 1991 was held at the VFW Hall in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. The
organizing committee, Agnelo and Maria Gomes, Bambino and Wilma Martins, and yours truly,
provided the planning, logistical support, and financial backing needed to make this first event a
huge success. The event was promoted by word of mouth, and 80 people attended.
The success of that first dance propelled the committee to add other events to the calendar and the
GOANJ was born. Shortly thereafter, a newsletter called the “Goan Connection” was launched to
establish a link with members and to keep them abreast of GOANJ news and events. As we grew
socially and financially, the GOANJ decided to take on another important role – to address various
social concerns in Goa by helping out Goans in need. A Caring Committee was formed to identify
outreach opportunities and manage our charitable endeavors. A Prayer Chain group was started to
pray for the special intentions of the families and friends of GOANJ members. Clothing and food
drives were launched to help the Salvation Army in New Brunswick, and more recently, GOANJ
members have been serving as volunteers at the Mother Theresa Soup Kitchen in Newark.
In 2001, the GOANJ celebrated its 10th anniversary with a grand dance at the Ukranian Cultural
Center in Somerset. Subsequent Christmas dances have been held there as well. To mark our 20th
anniversary, the GOANJ Planning Committee has decided to take the celebrations up a notch. The
venue for the 20th Anniversary Gala Ball will be the posh and elegant Royal Alberts Palace in Fords,
NJ. On December 17, 2011, two great Goan bands will rock the hall, and attendees will be treated to
an excellent spread and premium drinks.
The GOANJ has been blessed with 20 years of growth, fun and friendships. We welcome you and
your friends to join in the celebrations to commemorate this wonderful event.
The Goan
Association of New
Jersey is now on
Facebook.
Come join us at
www.facebook.com/GOANJ
and become a fan by clicking
the “like” button.
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