9th Annual fund-raising event was held for the IACO (Indo American Cancer Organization, which is popularly known as Nandamuri Basava Tharakam Memorial Cancer Foundation) at Akbar Restaurant, Garden City, New York, on the evening of 18th Saturday Nov 2006. Popular Telugu Hero Yuvarathna Mr Nandamuri Balakrishna was invited as Chief Guest for this event. Around 450 NRI’s comprising of Balakrishna’s fans, supporters, Doctors, Donors, delegates from all over the Northern America participated in the event. IACO raised more than $ 3,00,000 on this occasion, which will be used to help in eradication of Cancer and related diseases in Andhra Pradesh.

Speaking on the occasion Dr. Tulasi Polavarapu, Founder of the IACO reiterated that the funds raised during this occasion would be invested in providing quality medical care to cancer patients, creation of cancer awareness and buying the latest diagnostic equipment

In his keynote speech Shri Nandamuri Balakrishna, said he still remembered how badly his mother was suffered from cancer in the last days of her life. The need for this modern Cancer Institute was the dream of late Smt. Nandamuri Basava Tarakam wife of late Chief Minister Dr N T Rama Rao who herself succumbed to the deadly disease. He requested everybody to join hands in this fight against cancer.

He also requested elite NRI’s to keep up our great Indian values and traditions. He praised and thanked every NRI for helping their family, relatives, friends and other charitable causes despite the hardship initially in this country. Most of the speakers on this occasion shared their memories and bonding with late NTR

The famous NRI doctors and personalities attended this event including, Dr Dattatreyudu Nori, internationally renowned Oncologist, Sri. K. Krishnam Raju Secretary, NBTR Memorial Cancer Foundation, Dr. Mallareddy Pilla, Dr. Dasaratharama Reddy Gaddam

5 Lakhs donation by Balakrishna and his fans

Fans of Balakrishna donated USD 5000 towards the fund. Mr Uday Karumanchi handed over the cheque to Shri Balakrishna. Reciprocating to his fans generosity Shri Nandamuri Balakrishna added  another 5000 USD of equal contribution from his end to the fans amount. Apart from above, NRI Chitram, who bagged Maharadhi USA rights, donated USD 1,116 to Indo-American Cancer Organization. Total amount donated by Balakrishna, fans became USD 11,116 i.e 5  lakhs INR. MohanaKrishna Mannava, K.Pavan chowdary coordinated the fans activities.

Entertainment:

It was a 5 hours plus Event. Miss India worldwide 2006 Trina Chakravarty performed Indian classic dance and also anchored the fundraiser event. Few multi-talented Doctors entertained audience by singing beautiful melodies and by rendering NTR’s mythological movie dialogues. Inspired by them, Balakrishna taken over the dais and delivered his trademark punch dialogues as well as SriKrishna pandaveeyam mythological skits. Fans and the audience went berserk with Balaiah’s participation.

A Female doctor, who is a non telugite beautifully, sang a telugu melody (Nuvvu Nuvvu from Khadgam). Video Song Clips from Balakrishna’s forth coming release Maharadhi were special attraction of the night with cheering crowds and dancing fans.

Overall it was a night of everlasting memories for IACO members, Nandamuri Balakrishna and his fans.