Thaakat Foundation

Thaakat Atlanta Chapter

2011-2012
Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies. Mother Teresa

2011-2012

Thaakat Atlanta Chapter

2011-2012

I. II. III. IV.

Mission Statement..2 Atlanta Board of Directors.3 Letter from Directors....4 Events a. Fundraising..5 b. Volunteer..8 V. How my Dream became a Reality...9
By: Ayesha Lodhia

VI. Fighting for a Cause.10

By: Caryn Dreibelbis

VII. Deans Award...11 VIII. Thaakat OU Team..12 IX. Overview of Events & Causes ..13
By: Amber Lamar

X. Global Projects... 15
By: Rikita Patel

XI. Thaakat Spirit...16 XII. Thaakat Art... 17

By: Ayesha Lodhia

XIII. Donors & Supporters..18 XIV. Peace. Love. Thaakat. ..19

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Thaakat Atlanta Chapter

2011-2012

Our mission is to promote charitable giving among students and young professionals in the local and national community and beyond. To drive a movement of creative altruism, unparalleled giving and preservation of diversity and culture. To bring hands on volunteerism to our local communities and hope to our global society.

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Thaakat Atlanta Chapter

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Thaakat Atlanta Chapter

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Thaakat Foundation has been thriving for four years and is now rapidly expanding through the creation of new college chapters, one of which is Thaakat Atlanta active at Oglethorpe University. Thaakat Atlanta was once a dream for our founder and president Ayesha Lodhia, and it was one of those daunting dreams that she was unsure she could reach. Yet, Ayeshas unwavering belief in the power and mission of Thaakat Foundation to change the world encouraged her to forge ahead. The student chapter of Thaakat Atlanta was officially approved as school organization in September, which was after our first debut to the school at the activities fair. Our little group of three girls had a simple goalto get at least 10 people interested in joining Thaakat; we placed up colorful signs, arranged t-shirts and wristbands, and laid out the flyers for our first event Top it with Thaakat. Our day at the activities fair far exceeded our goal, and we received a list of 73 names of people who were interested in Thaakat. It was this first, overwhelming response that encouraged us to push further and plan events for each month in the school year. According to our board, two of the most memorable events we arranged were Thaakat Delight and Will You Be My Thaakat. Thaakat Delight was our chance to show the school what set Thaakat Atlanta apart from other student groups on campus, which was our diversity. We provided food (most of which students had never experienced before), henna, and music in order to raise money for our global projects. Our new group members were present and eager to share the work of Thaakat with their peers.

Will You Be My Thaakat was an event in which we made valentines for women and children who were victims of domestic violence and housed at Stronghold Atlanta. We cosponsored the event with Amnesty International, who brought petitions to sign about domestic violence and discussed the social implications. The event was inspiring to watch as college students took time out from their lunch (or last minute chances to study before exams) to make someone elses day brighter and many people were beginning to recognize our group. Now when we said things like Come to Thaakat Atlantas event people no longer said Huh? or Whats that?!?! and instead ensured us they would drop by after they finished lunch.
Another dream that came true this year was Thaakat Atlantas Swag the Swab to encourage students to become registered in the national bone marrow registry as potential donors. At first, when we would talk to people about whether Oglethorpe students would be receptive to an event we were greeted with an abrupt no, but after we saw the enthusiasm the Thaakat leaders at the national board had for bone marrow it was impossible not to try. Again Oglethorpe Universitys student body rose above our expectations and we registered almost 60 people this year. Ultimately, this year was a successful start for Thaakat Atlanta and due to our many supporters we were able to raise $8,000 for our global projects. The dedication of our members and the support of our contributors have made us determined to set our goals higher for next year and with continued support we are certain they will be achievable. Thank you for a wonderful year! Love, Thaakat ATL Board of Directors 4|Page

Thaakat Atlanta Chapter

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Top it with Thaakat September 8, 2011 Our first fundraising event at Pinkberry for our global projects.

Thaakat Delight October 19, 2011 Fundraising event for Plumpynut at Oglethorpe for students to enjoy IndoPak culture.

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Thaakat Atlanta Chapter

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Thaakat Ornaments for Christmas tree at school December 25, 2011

Trick-or-Treat October 31, 2011 Fundraising event for Plumpynut.

Coexist Food Drive January 23, 2012

Bake Sale/Kitchen Day January 25, 2012

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Will you be my Thaakat? February 14, 2012 Thaakat Atlanta and Amnesty International made valentines for victims of domestic violence housed at Stronghold Atlanta.

Swag the Swab April 2 & 3, 2012 Bone marrow registration drive.

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MedShare January 14, 2012 Sorting unused medical supplies, to be shipped overseas.

Senior Connections April 13, 2012 Helping with the preparations of meals for the seniors.

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Thaakat Atlanta Chapter

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One day in April 2011, as I was scrolling through the Thaakat wordpress, I became amazed by all the things the Thaakat team had been doing. I asked myself, I wonder if I can start a Thaakat chapter in Atlanta?, and immediately I messaged Uzma Bawany Ali, the founder of Thaakat and my cousin, asking about it. From there, it became my new dream to establish a Thaakat Atlanta chapter because everything about Thaakat was inspiring. I realized how life is not just about the latest fashion trends or shopping all day, its about making a difference in someones life. I worked day and night to make it happen. Although it was a rocky start, I was determined to have my dream turn into reality because I knew that one day my hard work would pay off. The thought of being able to reach out to people in need kept me going. Of course, to make Thaakat Atlanta official, I made a Thaakat Atlanta Facebook account. On May 10, 2011 Thaakat Atlanta was officially founded. Next, I had to find people who were willing to help me fulfill this dream. By far this was the hardest part of the process because it was difficult to find people who were willing to give up their time to help. I was so discouraged by the responses I was getting. However, I would always call Uzma for advice and she was always there for me. She encouraged me all the way and I couldnt have done it without her. Every day, my thoughts on how to start this chapter were constantly floating in my head. I was looking forward to having big events and volunteer projects. One day when I was carpooling to summer classes with my friend Caryn, I told her about all the problems I was having trying to start a chapter. Then, we decided to register Thaakat Atlanta at Oglethorpe. At first, both of us were a little worried about mixing Thaakat and school together because we wanted to give both a fair amount of time. However, we got over that fear and filled out the form to register at school. In August, there was an activities fair at school, this was our first opportunity to expose Thaakat at Oglethorpe University. Our table was full of colorful posters, flyers and us rocking our Thaakat shirts. To our surprise we got 73 people to sign up for emails. I couldnt believe it! But it was true, I could see my dream slowly coming true. On September 14, 2011, Thaakat Atlanta was officially registered at Oglethorpe University. Throughout the semester, we planned many events and tried to get involved on campus as much as we could. Today, we have 30 members on our team, including support from our family, friends, and professors. We are blessed to have passionate people on our team. Everyone on campus was always asking about Thaakat! It has been the most amazing experience to watch Thaakat Atlanta grow. My dream had become a reality in less than a year. On April 10, 2012 we received the Deans Award to Thaakat for Outstanding Achievement by a Student Organization. That day my whole team could not stop smiling, we were all so proud of ourselves. I was on top of the world because all that hard work paid off! I am so thankful to God for my Thaakat team and all the supporters we have today. Receiving this award has motivated our team to work even harder and achieve even more in our upcoming years. Today, Thaakats mission is my mission. Thaakat is very close to my heart and I cannot imagine a second without it. Thaakat has changed my life in many ways and I feel like a new person. Truly, if you strive for a noble cause, God is sure to help you through all the obstacles you may encounter, so never give up. All this positive change has made me a more confident person, teaching me to never stop dreaming. And this is how my dream became a reality

Ayesha Lodhia|President
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Thaakat Atlanta Chapter

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First of all, I would like to thank my friends and family for the enormous amount and support and encouragement they have provided me as I go through this journey of learning to box. For the past month I have been training at Decatur boxing club and slowly improving the awkward, clumsy movements and intense nerves that I felt when I entered my first class. During, this first class I was asked to be involved in Decatur boxings first college fight night in Atlanta to raise money for the charity of my choice, and although I was terrified about actually boxing the choice from here was easy.

In summer of 2011 a very close friend of mine, Ayesha Lodhia, informed me about social network with a cause that was uniting students across the nation for a cause, Thaakat Foundation. At first (much like my stepping into my first boxing class) when she asked me if I wanted to be involved I was leery; I was worried about a multitude of things that now seem so selfish like if I would have enough time to juggle the hefty responsibility or would it interfere with my love afternoon naps, and it turns out Thaakat does in fact interrupt my afternoon naps. Yet, Thaakat Foundation has given me an avenue to feel inspired about the world around me again by reminding me that there are other students that are passionate to help out the global and local needs that surround them. With this being said, it is obvious that I have chosen to represent this charity at Atlantas first college fight night. Now I know you have all heard that catch phrases about Thaakat, that we are a social network with a cause, a great resume builder, or an amazing organization full of bright-minded, socially conscious students, but truly to me Thaakat Foundation is a family. We are a family that sees the faults of the world and are determined to change it. No one should be in poverty, no one should lack an education, domestic violence should cease to exist, and the sick should not have to struggle to find donors. Yet, these things do exist and they exist everywhere; Thaakat Foundation is a family unwilling to let these situations go by unnoticed. Heres where you come in!

Caryn Dreibelbis|Vice President

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Thaakat Atlanta Chapter

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On May 10, 2012, we were honored with the Deans Award to Thaakat for Outstanding Achievement by a Student Organization.

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Thaakat Atlanta Chapter

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OU Thaakat Board Members President: Ayesha Lodhia VP: Caryn Dreibelbis & Parth Patel Treasurer: Anish Patel Secretary: Ravina Patel Community Service: Terrika Cook Global Ambassador: Rikita Patel Events Manager: Alma Kadri Public Relations: Amber Lamar & Nidha Jivan

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Thaakat Atlanta Chapter

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Miracle of Plumpynut
Today in Somalia and East Africa, hundreds of thousands of babies and children die from malnutrition. Their mothers feel hopeless as their childrens lives go away in their arms. No food, no electricity, no clean running water. Is there a solution to this catastrophe? The answer lies in the miracle food called Plumpynut. Plumpynut is a ready to use peanut-based paste in a foil wrapper. It was developed in 1999 by Dr. Andre Briend, a Nutritionist at The Research Institute for Development (IRD), and Michel Lescanne, Founder and CEO of Nutriset. Both are located in France. This product is only used for famine relief. Plumpynut is made out of peanut paste, vegetable oil, milk powder, powered sugar, vitamins and minerals. Each pack has 500 calories. Usually each packet is eaten twice a day for two to four weeks, depending on the childs condition. Plumpynut helps build a baby and childs immune system, provides essential nutrition, and helps build muscle. Dont worry about allergies to peanuts. Thats only developed nations issue, so the paste is fine to eat. The cost of this miracle is usually only US $35 per child. Thanks to Plumpynut and non-profit organizations such as Thaakat Foundation, childrens lives have been saved. For example in 2005, regions in Niger had the highest malnutrition rates. Now after Plumpynut was successfully distributed, the region now has the lowest malnutrition rate. Plumpynut now treats more than 12,000 healthy children.

Articles written by: Amber Lamar | PR Team | Thaakat OU

Delicious Act of Thaakat Delight

Colorful scarves of the rainbow covered our tables and windows. The sounds of festive American and Indian music inspire the body to move. The savory scents of traditional Indian food fill the air. Posters of Thaakat and Plumpynut catch your eye while you walk past. Happy customers were in awe of their beautiful henna art, by Henna Artiste of Atlanta. The feelings of compassion helps to further spread our message. This was Thaakat Delight. For those who missed us, or just simply to recall, Thaakat Delight was an event held by Thaakat Atlanta at Oglethorpe University. The event was held on the campus in the Emerson TV lounge on October 19, 2011. It lasted from 12-2 pm. All board members and volunteers in our t-shirts, came together to make this event possible. Our purpose was to have an event to raise awareness about our organization and raise money for malnourished children in East Africa and Somalia. The money raised will be used to distribute Plumpynut to children in need. Thanks to the kindness and support of the Oglethorpe community, Thaakat Atlanta raised nearly $300 for the cause and Thaakats overall goal of $11,000 for the 11.11.11 campaign.

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Thaakat Atlanta Chapter

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Will you be my Thaakat?
Another Valentines Day has come and gone. It was filled with happy people, colorful posters, with love songs filling the air at Oglethorpe Universitys Emerson TV lounge. Thaakat Atlanta and Amnesty International of Oglethorpe University joined forces for our Valentines Day event, Will You Be My Thaakat? for Stronghold Atlanta. Stronghold Atlanta or Stronghold Cooperative Ministries, Inc. is a resource center for women and children who were victims of domestic violence. Amnesty International provided information about the perils of domestic violence. Petitions were also welcome to anyone willing to stand up and show awareness of what true love really is and that it shouldnt hurt in any kind of way. For this cause, Thaakat Atlanta provided art supplies to everyone for making Valentines Day cards for the women of Stronghold Atlanta. By making these cards we not only show our general concern, but want to bring encouragement and strength to these women in their time of need. So together from Thaakat Atlanta and Amnesty International for Valentines Day and beyond: Love, Peace and Thaakat. For more information about Stronghold Atlanta, please go on their website at www.strongholdatlanta.org.

Sharing our Thaakat at MedShare

On January 14, 2012, the Thaakat Atlanta team volunteered our time and served our community at MedShare@ in Decatur, Ga. MedShare@ is a nonprofit organization that collects unused medical supplies and equipment surplus and distributes from hospitals, clinics and doctor offices. Then they are shipped to developing countries across the world in need. All day we separated needles, scalpels and other supplies. Afterward, we all came together to package each one with more medical supplies and care. We later found out that the supplies we were packaging that day were going to be sent to Jamaica and certain parts of Africa. Together with MedShares Elizabeth Haskell and Paul Kennedy and Thaakat Atlanta, our work shared our mission of Peace, Love, Thaakat to the world. For more information on MedShare@, please go on their website at www.medshare.org.

Senior Connections
Today was the last day of Oglethorpe University Day of Service for the academic year. Members of Thaakat Atlanta came along to help pack meals and set up rooms for Senior Connections@ in Chamblee, GA. off of Peachtree Rd. NE. My role was being part of the assembly line that packed meals for Meals on Wheels, by filling a section of the plates with cabbage. You can see me on the Senior Connections@ Facebook page showing some cafeteria realness. Afterward, all of us helped clean the areas we used. While packing cabbage on an assembly line, I messed up at first. The assembly line moved so fast I thought I was having whiplash! The supervisor kept correcting me and shaking his head before I finally got it right. It made me really appreciate cafeteria workers and that Im not cut out for this kind of work and really need to get my degree. While stuffing frozen cabbage into its designated place, I spoke with another volunteer. She asked why I was there and then I re-asked the question. She told me that she had had too many speeding tickets and had to do seven more days to finish her community service. Then I asked her if she would come back again after her time was up. She responded by saying, Yes I would, the people are really nice here. But Id probably only come once a week. At the end of the day, all of us came out to help our community. No one was acting. Anyone can wear TShirts with their faith or Thaakat on it, but at the end of the day, its not what we wear but its how we live. We are Thaakat and become it every day. So show your Thaakat (strength) in everything you do. Peace, Love, and Thaakat. For more information about Senior Connections please go on http://www.srconn.org/, Oglethorpe University at www.oglethorpe.edu, and Thaakat Atlanta at http://www.facebook.com/thaakat.atlanta

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Thaakat Atlanta Chapter

2011-2012

Kachra Kundi Project Re-born

The village of Blama Perri, Sierra Leone welcomes a new born. However, the baby is malnourished and has severe infections, while the mother is resting on an unsanitary, dirt floor. This village has gone through 11 years of civil war and the nearest hospital is three miles away by a motorcycle, which woman who are nine months pregnant should not be traveling on. This city is consisted of mainly widows and children. It lacks proper birthing centers which is the reason why the babies are born malnourished. Thaakat raised $5,000 and these funds will be used to help build a maternity center for the residents of Blama Perri. Thaakat also helped build five child rescue centers in Blama Perri. These rescue centers house 100 residents and keep them from terminal diseases. The maternity center will help 1,000 expecting mothers in this village and other nearby communities also. It will ensure the patients with proper sterile medical supplies in an hygenic surrounding. The village of Kachra Kundi in Karachi, Pakistan is home to more than 300 families. Kachra Kundi is located approximately 50 miles away from the city Karachi; where the city dump trucks make daily rounds at Kachra Kundi. The garbage collected at Kachra Kundi is what the families live off of. Every family member (husband, wife and children) are engaged in this business. They earn a profit by collecting the wastes and reselling it to recycling centers. These innocent people have no education along with no simple resources such as electricity, gas, and clean water. They are being affected with poisonous gases and smoke when garbage is being burnt. Also, there is no well-qualified doctor to help them because the area is one of the least hygienic places. But there is one humble and noble man who has become one source of protection for the residents, Dr. Sultan has agreed to practice in this unsanitary environment. On December 2011 Thaakat visited the site and with the help of one of our partners, Idara Al Khair, we are building an educational facility for the students. About 8 years ago, our partner brought in 16 teachers who had lots of hopes and dreams for the children and the city of Kachra Kundi. The educational facility will also provide education to 10 other villages around Kachra Kundi gathering approximately 250 students (40% girls). This facility will be only minutes away from the students villages and it will be free from pollution and diseases. The construction for this project has begun in January 2012. The school will be managed by Idara Al Khair and parents have already began registering their children. We have also been working with another partner of ours, em[Power], who are also a non-profit, to help install a waste to energy generator, that can help power the school and the health clinic. Thaakat raised $11.000 for this project! Plus, 9 classrooms are almost walk in ready!!!

Articles written by:

Rikita Patel | Global Ambassador | Thaakat OU Sources: thaakat.wordpress.com

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Thaakat Atlanta Chapter

Caryn running at a 26mi Womens Nike Marathon in Thaakat shirt.

2011-2012

1st Thaakat Atlanta Donation box

You lose nothing when fighting for a cause In my mind the losers are those who dont have a cause they care about.

-Muhammad Ali
1st table reserved for Thaakat

I love Thaakat!

Atlanta shaved in Omars head

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Donors
Abdul Rehman Yaqub Lodhia Family Dreibelbis Family Patel Family Farooq & Salma Gandhi Teli Family Yousuf & Farida Pochi Wada Family Malik Family Iqbal Lodhia Rahim Khimani Shiraz Family East Cobb Islamic Center (ECIC) Mohammad & Habiba Siddiqui Britto Maria Joseph Faheem Adam Rais & Mariam Usman Ajay Agarwal Rajesh Shah Shabana Khan Sadiya Shahnwaz Evan M. Altman Daliah Brill Ronnye Shamam Ronald Weinstein Samir Hanif Husna Ghafur Sohpia Patel Maha Hosin Tasnim Ahmed Kadri Famliy Irving Guzman Susan Contreras Kopplin Katrina Sharpe Jivan Family David Matsil Frances Kiradjian Kendra Hunter Jeet Kumar Budha Magar Tony Golden Raza Bhatti

Thaakat t-shirts Courtesy of Mohammad I. Jamal Georgia Trading Post Inc.

University Support Oglethorpe University

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Thaakat Atlanta Chapter

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National Board Links

www.thaakatfoundation.org www.thaakat.wordpress.com www.thaakat.tumblr.com www.twitter.com/thaakat www.facebook.com/Thaakat.Foundation Email: [email protected]

Atlanta Board Links

www.atlthaakat.wordpress.com www.twitter.com/thaakatatlanta www.facebook.com/thaakat.atlanta Email: [email protected]

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