UNITED IN SOLIDARITY WITH NEPAL
A Heartfelt Thank You from United Nepalese of California.
United Nepalese of California (UNC) extends our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined our Condolence & Candlelight Vigil for Nepal on September 1 at Old Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa.
Following the devastating flooding and tragic loss of life in Nepal, UNC made the difficult decision to cancel our scheduled Teej celebration and instead bring our community together for remembrance, prayer, solidarity, and humanitarian support. Despite having only a few days to organize, nearly 200 people gathered to stand together with Nepal.
The message from our community was simple and powerful:
“Nepal, you are not alone. We may be thousands of miles away, but our hearts are with you. We stand together, and we will support you.”
The evening began with opening remarks by the UNC President, followed by a moment of silence honoring those who lost their lives and remembering those still missing and affected by this tragedy. Our guests, elected officials, community leaders, and families then shared messages of prayer, compassion, hope, and solidarity.
We were deeply honored to have Santa Rosa Mayor- Mark Stapp, Rohnert Park Mayor- Emily Sanborn and Windsor Mayor - Rosa Reynoza join us in person and stand with our community. We are equally grateful to Cotati Mayor- Sylvia Lemus, a longtime and valued supporter of our community, who was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict but sent a heartfelt message of support and solidarity. The support of all four mayors and leaders from different communities reinforced an important message: in times of tragedy, unity and compassion have no boundaries.
We are especially grateful to AAPIC Director Laurie Fong, Assistant Director Grace Cheung, AAPIC families, and members of the broader Asian American community for standing beside the Nepali community during this difficult time.
$11,354 Raised and Sent to Nepal
Through the generosity of our community and supporters, UNC raised $11,354 for Nepal flood relief. The funds were sent directly to Nepal’s Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund on September 2, 2026.
A very special thank-you to NeilMed Pharmaceuticals and Dr. Ketan Mehta for their generous $5,000 contribution. Dr. Mehta has consistently been a strong supporter of our community, and we are deeply grateful for his continued generosity and friendship.
We also sincerely thank Laxman Bhandari, Executive Financial Officer at NeilMed Pharmaceuticals, for his continued support and for serving as an important bridge between Dr. Mehta, NeilMed, and our community.
Most importantly, every contribution mattered. Whether you donated financially, attended the vigil, volunteered, offered prayers, helped organize, shared our message, or simply stood beside our community—your support made a difference.
Our sincere appreciation goes to the UNC Board, Executive Committee, Coordinating Committee, volunteers, donors, local businesses, community leaders, families, and supporters who made this meaningful gathering possible on such short notice.
We are also very grateful to Kyle Garcia and The Press Democrat and Dylan Cooper and Community Voice for helping bring our community’s story and message of solidarity to the broader public.
UNC organized the gathering, but all of you made it meaningful and successful. This is something our entire community can be proud of.
From Santa Rosa, together we sent one powerful message:
Nepal, you are not alone.
We remember. We pray. We support. And we stand with Nepal.
Those who would still like to support Nepal flood relief may contribute through:
Zelle: unc.finance707@gmail.com
Online: www.unitednepcal.org/donate
Check: United Nepalese of California (UNC)
With heartfelt gratitude,
Deepak Timsina
President
United Nepalese of California (UNC)
