Global Uplift was formed on September 30, 2000. The main purpose of this organization is:

.1. To arrange for and provide medical care and facilities for underprivileged people in the United States and throughout the world;
.2. To provide housing and food for the homeless and the poor in the United States and throughout the world; and
.3. To provide educational scholarships for underprivileged people in the United States and throughout the world.

It has been treated as a publicly supported organization and funded completely by the public in Monterey County.

On January 26, 2001, there was an earthquake in India. With the help of funds from the people in Monterey County, 200 homes were built in the village of Kauran in Gujarat, India. Salinas City Council member Janet Barnes went to India to inaugurate this village on June 26, 2001.

When 9/11/2001 took place, Global Uplift, through the help of one of the donors -- namely the Cosentino family, was able to provide free rental facilities for over six months in Monterey to the American Red Cross. In addition, people in Monterey County donated through Global Uplift a check of $5,000 to be used toward the families of New York police officers who were killed in the attack of September 11, 2001.

Every year blankets are provided to the homeless at Dorothy’s Kitchen during Thanksgiving.

There is no administration cost of Global Uplift as everyone volunteers their time. The people of Monterey County have always been generous and supported any good cause. At times, Global Uplift has had to request that people not give anymore as the charitable cause has been met.

When the recent Tsunami disaster took place , people were calling us and sending checks without any solicitation. Grace Cosentino called Peter Shah on Sunday and pledged money to India. Mike Trescony handed over a check as well. Dr. Kumar of Los Palos Medical Group personally donated money. John Hambey from Soledad wanted to donate money. Eric Liitschwager wanted to go with his father-in-law, who is a contractor, to do charity work in India.

On account of this outpouring of support of people in Monterey County, Peter Shah of Global Uplift called Wilbur Stevens and Jim Sloan and resolved to adopt a village in the affected disaster area to rebuild it. Peter Shah’s father was the late governor of Madras (Tamil Nadu). He was therefore able to talk to the Secretary to the Governor of Tamil Nadu and propose a plan to rebuild an entire village. She called him back at once and was pleased to state that she would be able to identify two villages in Nagapattam and any one of these could be adopted.

As part of the Katrina relief effort 500 tents are being delivered to the disaster area. Eric Liittschwager is the leader on this project. He is flying from Monterey County to Houston, Texas. He is driving a truck to the affected area. Donna Pharo is collecting funds to send them to a church in the Katrina disaster area to feed the poor and homeless. Many other volunteers have agreed to help in this relief effort.