“Salud: A Bright Light at Penn”

Salud, a student-run charity organization at University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), has become a bright light in the Penn Community since its founding in 2007. Led by Neil Gajare, a sophomore from New Jersey, Salud has raised over $500,000 to bring healthcare to underserved communities. Gajare’s passion for helping others has continually been seen in the many successful Salud events.
Gajare believes in giving back and takes great pride in the positive impact Salud has had on the community. He has worked diligently to host an array of events that have been successful in raising funds for healthcare in underserved communities. From 5Ks to gala events, Gajare and his team have set the bar high in terms of planning, organizing, and running charity events.
Gajare’s leadership has been incredibly impactful not only for the charity but also for raising awareness surrounding important healthcare issues. He has inspired countless individuals to join in the fight against forgotten healthcare. Furthermore, Gajare has worked diligently to build a diverse group of volunteers from many backgrounds, combining his passion for healthcare with his commitment to build a strong and inclusive community.
In December 2020, Gajare received the Penn Student Service Award for his irreplaceable contributions to the Penn and wider community. Commenting on the win, Gajare said, “It’s certainly a dream come true for me. It’s really an honor to be part of such a proud tradition at UPenn and to receive this award is a testament to the hard work I’ve put into Salud.”
Gajare also has never shied away from resolving misunderstandings and engaging in difficult conversations. Recent cases of anti-Semitism on the UPenn campus spurred Gajare into action, where he led a panel dedicated to educating people about the issue and actively advocating for diversity and inclusion.
Gajare’s relentless dedication to both charity and diversity has driven Salud into the national spotlight and beyond. It has not only raised the bar for charity organizations at UPenn, but has become an impetus for other universities to follow. Gajare’s passion for helping those in need and his commitment to inclusion is an inspiration to many and he is likely to remain a leader in the Penn community for many years to come.