Sara Paulson , FLORIDA TODAY Published 10:40 a.m. ET April 23, 2015 | Updated 1:09 p.m. ET April 23, 2015
From left, Dr. Anthony Catanese, Sathi Rajan and Dr. Saravana Rajan, Dr. Mary Beth Kenkel and Glad Kurian are seen at the Scott Center for Autism Treatment’s annual fundraiser, An Evening of Hope. Rajan has pledged $20,000 to the Scott Center, which will be presented during BIMDA’s gala this weekend.(Photo: FLORIDA TODAY File)
When Saravana Rajan's grandson was born nine years ago, everything seemed fine.
He was a "handsome boy," the retired cardiologist explained. But after age 3, "he started going downhill."
"His problem is communication," Rajan said of his struggles. "He doesn't speak."
His loved one's struggles and search for help compelled him to pledge $20,000 to Florida Tech's Scott Center for Autism Treatment during a recent fundraiser. He's hoping that the donation helps amplify research and awareness for the disorder.
That promise will come to fruition Saturday night at a gala hosted by the Brevard Indo-American Medical & Dental Association, said Glad Kurian, the nonprofit's honorary executive director. It's one of the group's many philanthropic causes. The private event follows the daylong BIMDA Medical Expo and CME Conference at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place.
"The demand for health care is absolutely mushrooming," Kurian said. "That is a huge part of the economy in Florida, especially on the Space Coast. And so we are certainly connected in more ways than one to various industries."
The day will encompass the variety of reasons BIMDA was informally founded in 1995, in the spirit of providing education and community health. (It was officially chartered in 1999, welcoming all physicians.)
"Our No. 1 focus is CME — continuing medical education for physicians," Kurian said.
Besides boosting the professional development of doctors and dentists, BIMDA stresses philanthropy. In 2012, the group's charitable efforts were the driving force behind them being named Organization of the Year by FLORIDA TODAY's Volunteer Recognition Awards. BIMDA has supported the Space Coast Center for Mothers with Children, Jess Parrish Medical Foundation, Cancer Care Centers of Brevard and the Women's Center, among others.
Saturday's conference, slated for 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., will offer medical lectures and scientific exhibits for doctors and dentists. More than 200 people are expected.
The 6 p.m. event will feature a reception, dinner, and gala. Lynda Weatherman, president and CEO of the Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast, will give the keynote speech. About 350 people are expected to attended the private event, which will boast an Indian cultural theme.
The Rajan Family Fund donation will be presented, as well as gifts to other Brevard organizations. Mary Beth Kenkel, dean and professor with FIT's College of Psychology and Liberal Arts, said the Scott Center greatly appreciates Rajan's gift.
"It will allow the Center to give more children treatment at an early age and provide them with behavioral services that have proven to be highly effective," Kenkel said via email. "The staff and client families also appreciate how the donation shows support of their determined efforts to address and diminish the challenges of autism."
