The Founder
The Influencer
Aruna Archives
Roots & Branches
80 Years of Excellence
100
The historic year Aruna and a small group of Asian Indian ladies founded AIWO to give back to the Springfield community.
1991
100
The prestigious local honor Aruna received from the Springfield Business Journal in 2018 for her community contributions.
SBJ Woman of Influence award
100
Aruna's least favorite dessert
Chocolate
100
The city or state in India where Aruna was born and raised before making the big move across the world.
Agra and then moved to Kanpur
100
The year Aruna was born, marking the beginning of 80 phenomenal years.
What is 1946?
200
This is the number of initial members during the founding year
started with 8 and grew to 16 the same year
200
The respected medical institution where Aruna spent her career as a dedicated researcher starting in 1975.
SIU School of Medicine
200
Her childhood dream profession was?
Doctor
200
The year Aruna arrived in the United States, starting a brand-new chapter of her life.
1969
200
This beloved deity holds a very special place in Aruna’s heart, so much so that she has lovingly collected over 100 statues of him to adorn her home.
Ganesha
300
The exact number of years Aruna dedicatedly served as the active President of AIWO before retiring from the role
20
300
This is youngest person helped by ladies of AIWO under Aruna's leadership.
22 weeks at SJH NICU
300
Aruna’s favorite travel destination that she has visited over her 80 incredible years.
India
300
The names of Aruna's children, and grandchildren who have watched her inspire an entire community for decades.
Archana Patton
grandchildren - Tessa and Connor,
Dr Samir Mathur
grandchildren - Priya, Anjali , Sanjay
300
The current number of grandchildren who lovingly call her "Dadi," "Nani," or their special nickname.
5
400
This is the total number of charities helped by AIWO via fundraising events / activities
10 -
Ronald McDonald house
SJH NICU
Mercy Communities
Breath for India
The Outlet
WIBL
Compass for kids
GOTR
Share the spirit
Motherland
400
Of all the wisdom she passed down, this simple, three-word piece of advice is what her children say influenced them the most when navigating life and perspective.
Everyone is right
400
The one piece signature catchphrase Aruna is famous for giving to her friends, family, and AIWO volunteers.
‘My 2 cents’
400
A holiday that Aruna absolutely loves and Always tries to spend with her family.
Diwali and Raksha Bandhan
400
The decade of her life in(e.g., her 30s, 40s, 50s) when Aruna took the brave leap to officially launch AIWO.
Her 40s. Born in '46, founded AIWO in '91
500
This is the amount of total charitable donations given to beneficiaries of major fundraising events / activities combined by AIWO since 2016.
940,300
ALMOST A MILLION!!
500
This community-focused organization named AIWO the "Humanitarian of the Year," celebrating the massive local impact Aruna set in motion.
What is the Greater Springfield Interfaith Association?
500
The specific genre of movies/shows that Aruna loves to watch on a quiet evening.
Murder mystery
500
This is the year Aruna and her husband planted their official family "roots" in Springfield, Illinois, beginning the legacy that would shape the community for decades to come.
1969
500
1- Name the business that Aruna co-owned with a dear friend , name the friend 2- How many years did they operate for and what did they do?
Sahyog, 2003-2018 Renuka Prasad
Event planner and decorators