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Sunil Gavaskar Brings His “Third Innings” to New Jersey to Help Fund Free Pediatric Heart Surgeries


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By Adam Rizvi | Editor-in-Chief, The India Observer (TIO): Cricket legend and Padma Bhushan awardee to headline One World One Family USA luncheon and fundraiser in Fords on August 23.

FORDS, N.J. — Cricket legend and Padma Bhushan awardee Sunil Gavaskar is coming to New Jersey on Sunday, August 23, for a special luncheon and fundraiser aimed at helping provide free, life-saving healthcare to children.

The event, hosted by One World One Family Foundation USA (OWOF USA), will be held from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Royal Albert’s Palace in Fords, New Jersey.

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Gavaskar, one of the most celebrated figures in the history of international cricket, is a Board Advisor and Ambassador for One World One Family USA. The organization says his “Third Innings” is focused on giving back through humanitarian work supporting children and underserved communities.

The August 23 gathering will bring together community members, philanthropists, supporters and corporate partners around a mission that OWOF says is simple: helping children and families gain access to essential healthcare, education and nutrition regardless of their ability to pay.

For generations of cricket fans, Gavaskar is remembered as one of the sport’s greatest opening batsmen and as the first player to reach 10,000 Test runs.

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Today, OWOF USA says Gavaskar is using his public profile and decades of influence to help bring attention to children who need medical care but whose families may not be able to afford it.

Through his “Third Innings,” Gavaskar has spoken about supporting children through free nutrition, free education and free healthcare.

The August 23 fundraiser will specifically help support humanitarian programs that include free pediatric care and life-saving surgeries.

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Sunil Gavaskar poses with young cricket ambassador Jivana Aras and her father at a recent One World One Family event in Seattle. Photo courtesy of Kimmell Joslin / One World One Family USA.

“Whether it’s feeding the unfed, healing the unhealthy or educating the uneducated, this cause is the most important one of my life,” Gavaskar says in a message promoting the initiative. “This is my 3rd innings and it’s the most fulfilling of them all.”

According to OWOF USA, the organization’s global network provides essential healthcare, education and nutrition at no cost to people in need.

Its healthcare work includes free pediatric cardiac care and life-saving surgeries for children whose families might otherwise be unable to access treatment.

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In the United States, OWOF USA says it operates the Sanjeevani Medical Center in Clarksdale, Mississippi, providing free primary healthcare, prescriptions, transportation assistance and other support without requiring insurance or documentation.

The organization also says it is developing another free healthcare center in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Kimmell Joslin, CEO of One World One Family Foundation USA, said Gavaskar’s involvement is helping bring people together around a common humanitarian goal.

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“Sunil Gavaskar has inspired generations through cricket, and we are deeply grateful that he is now bringing people together in service of a shared humanitarian vision where every child can access essential healthcare, regardless of ability to pay,” Joslin said.

“Together, we can help more children grow up healthy and reach their full potential.”

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The August 23 luncheon is part of OWOF USA’s broader effort to engage volunteers, philanthropists, community members and corporate partners in expanding access to healthcare, education and nutrition.

Tickets begin at $100, with premium tables available for those wishing to make a larger contribution.

Tickets and registration:  www.tinyurl.com/thirdinnings

According to the event information provided to The India Observer, table opportunities include:

  • Premium Table — $2,000: Reserved seating for 10 and group photo with Gavaskar; supports one surgery.
  • Silver Table — $6,000: Reserved seating for 10, one signed book and group photo with Gavaskar; supports three surgeries.
  • Gold Table — $12,000: Preferred seating for 10, one signed bat and group photo with Gavaskar; supports six surgeries.
  • Platinum Table — $20,000: Premium seating for 10, recognition and signed bat, plus VIP lunch with Gavaskar for two and priority lunch for eight; supports 10 surgeries.

    One World One Family USA invites the New Jersey community to join Sunil Gavaskar’s “Third Innings” fundraiser on August 23 in Fords, New Jersey.

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The event will also feature a fireside conversation with Gavaskar and a live auction of sports memorabilia.

For table information, organizers have provided the following contacts:

Soma Rao: (732) 713-8928
Nalin Shah: (203) 996-5312
Nayan Dalal: (732) 221-6442

One World One Family Foundation USA says its mission is built around the belief that every person deserves access to education, nutrition and healthcare.

The organization says it works through philanthropy and partnerships to expand access to essential services and create healthier communities and greater opportunities in the United States and around the world.

For the New Jersey community, Sunday’s gathering offers an opportunity not only to meet a cricket legend, but also to contribute to a cause centered on children and access to medical care.

The India Observer (TIO) is an independent global news and public affairs publication covering news, people, communities, politics, culture and issues of importance to readers in the United States, India and around the world.

The India Observer will be there to cover the event. Read the full story and learn how to attend and support the “Third Innings” initiative.

Read the full story and more updates at The India Observer.

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Adam Rizvi

Adam Rizvi

Adam Rizvi | Editor-in-Chief, The India Observer (TIO) Adam Rizvi is a New Jersey–based journalist, publisher, and community leader serving as the Editor-in-Chief of The India Observer. He oversees editorial strategy and reporting focused on governance, civic engagement, public policy, and issues impacting diverse and underrepresented communities. Through his work, Rizvi has developed collaborative relationships across nonprofit organizations, interfaith groups, and community leadership networks, including stakeholders within the South Asian and broader Asian diaspora. He is widely recognized for fostering dialogue between civic institutions and multicultural communities, contributing to greater understanding on issues of public interest, access, and inclusion. With a multidisciplinary background spanning media, management, and creative arts, Rizvi brings a solutions-oriented and ethical approach to journalism rooted in accountability and public service. Through The India Observer, he continues to highlight stories of leadership, compassion, and integrity that shape New Jersey’s civic landscape and promote inclusive community engagement. Media Contact: editor@TheIndiaObserver.com Mediaiss@gmail.com

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