Bruce Wayne Supports Thaakat Foundation

In the last year we started seeing donations come in from a person named “Bruce Wayne,” though I pondered for a moment I thought, nah, its totally possible for that to really be someone’s name.

Then I started seeing donations popping up from Bruce Wayne on different campaign pages for Thaakat. When I emailed him to find out where I could mail a thank you package, he emailed me back–

“If you could donate a small sized Jersey Strong shirt instead to a homeless shelter in New York I would appreciate it”

What a kind gentleman. With candor he continues to be a beam of support that flickers in the night. He continues to be our Thaakat.

Over the last year he has donated almost $400 to the cause. Bruce, whoever you are and wherever you are, thank you.

Volunteer With Us!

We Are Bananas for Aydin- URGENT APPEAL

Nabiha and Aydin at his birthday party.

This year, Thaakat Foundation launched a campaign called ‘Break the Silence‘- the goal being to bring awareness to the increasing instance of violence against women worldwide. As a pledge to this, we had vowed to find people and causes that we could empower- specifically women.

Recently we had the opportunity to cross paths with Nabiha Shaikh. Here is Nabiha’s story

“My name is Nabiha Shaikh, I have a four year old son named Aydin. Since he was born Aydin and I have been attending school at Baylor University. He’s a brilliant child, full of energy and spunk. He can talk about any and every subject as if he was a college grad himself. Four years ago when I had Aydin as a senior in High School, I would have never imagined achieving everything that I have thus far. With Aydin by my side I was able to receive an Air Force ROTC scholarship, become Vice President of my sorority, President of my school’s Model Arab League and work two jobs to build up my resume. I can’t say it was an easy journey. We left an abusive relationship behind and still have connections to it. Now, four years later, Aydin’s father wishes to gain full custody of him and I am left fighting a custody battle in my last semester of college. Having already racked up thousands of dollars of debt from lawyers fees I am in desperate need of financial assistance. The only hope I have of keeping my son with me is to get a lawyer that can represent me in court.”

We met Nabiha when we came across her fundraising page ” I’m Bananas for Aydin” on Facebook. For the last few months, Nabiha has been attempting to sell handmade loaves of banana bread to raise money to cover her monthly expenses as well as court fees.

These are Nabiha’s monthly expenses. If you would be willing to donate to cover any it would be SO APPRECIATED. If not, any amount is appreciated, there is no such thing as a small donation. [PLEASE DONATE HERE]

Rent:$466.00
Car Payment: $270.00
Car Insurrance: $150.00
Electricity: $100.00
Water: $50.00
Daycare: $250.00
Gas:$100.00
Food/Tolietries/Misc: $100

MORE IMPORTANTLY, if you know of a lawyer in the WACO, TX area that can help her, please contact us at thaakat@gmail.com immediately.

Nabiha plans to graduate in May and we need all the help we can get. If you would be willing to launch a crowdrise page to support her, well..that would be just awesome. Currently, we have reached just 7% of our donation goal and NEED all of the help we can get. Nabiha is graduating THIS month.

The Thaakat Insider l April 2013

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Congratulations to Dr. Zafar, An Exceptional Woman

International Women’s Day is annually held on March 8 to celebrate women’s achievements throughout history and across nations. It is also known as the United Nations (UN) Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace. In honor of this day we launched a contest for folks to nominate a woman who works hard to give back to our communities. The top 3 nominees, chosen by our guest panel, received $100 to donate to their charity of choice and a Break the Silence shirt. We are excited to share their inspiring stories.

Dr. Aisha Zafar was nominated by Dr. Shahid Yousuf of APPNA. It was the breadth of work that she has done for her local and global communities that really highlighted her as a winner. Despite having her own practice, Dr. Zafar continues to lead charitable projects and bring light to issues that others remain silent on. Congratulations Dr. Zafar, we are so proud of you.

 

How did you know what career path you wanted to pursue?

Both of my parents were doctors, they didn’t have a lot of females in the medical profession in Pakistan where I grew up. My parents felt this was the best possible field for me and I kind of went in that direction knowing that this is what they wanted for me.

What experience was it that helped you to realize you wanted to serve people in need?

Once I got into medical school in King Edward in Lahore, there was no system of a blood bank and there was always a shortage. A group of students got together and formed a blood bank and asked people to donate blood. It was really the first thing in my life that got me into charity. When I got married and came to the USA, I was so busy with work that I didn’t have time to pursue this passion of mine. Once I finished my training I was so involved in my practice and became overwhelmingly busy in this. But once I had more time I became involved in APPNA I experienced the earthquakes of Pakistan in 2005. I joined the social welfare committee to help. A lot of people lost their limbs and we had a lot of people that needed help. It was one project after another and soon I got involved in the Citizens Foundation. I also was involved in an eye camp in Pakistan through LRBT (it’s a hospital system based in Pakistan that works from charity and they have a branch that helps with restorative eyecare). Through LRBT I was able to organize 12 restorative eyecare camps.  Charity became something that was naturally a part of my life and I enjoyed giving back my service.

In the past I have worked with a shelter for women in Indianapolis. I got involved here and realized that it was not just Muslim women in trouble; it was victims of human trafficking that had come from India, Nepal and many areas of South Asia. I am also working with an organization that raises money for refugee camps in Bangladesh. I recently started scholarship funds for deserving students. I also started post graduate scholarship funds to help students with their residency interview and travel.

Is there a woman that inspires you?

My mother is a physican as well and she was my inspiration for me. I was very lucky because I lived a very comfortable life. My mother came from a very conservative family, she was the first female in our family that went through college and medical school. My mother was the first woman to do a Phd in pharmacology overseas from Pakistan. She was the one who always told me that I needed to be financially independent and that I needed to study. I really didn’t have the need when I was younger because I had a very nice life. She got us to the point where she said you have to be independent no matter what you do. I realize now how important this is now. It gives me confidence to be able to help others and to have my own career.

Why do you feel like it’s important to SPEAK UP?

When I was asked to join the shelter I help at in Indianapolis, it was because they wanted me to raise some funds. When I went there I was amazed at the number of women from South Asia and the Middle East. When I talked to the different communities, and asked people to do something about it the men and especially the women would say, “Don’t talk about it- it will bring a bad name to the community.” What we don’t realize is that we are essentially destroying the women who were dealing with something like this and also the children. The sons grow up to be abusive because this is what they see growing up and the daughters grow up expecting that this is how they will have to live. I used to do fundraising and I had a hard time getting people to contribute at first but finally a lot more people have been coming to light. Living in this country, this is the least we can do. It is not the lack of response from the men that bothers me so much but it is when the women refuse to acknowledge there is a problem, that it really bothers me.

What can youth do to help bring a voice to this issue?

I think as youth we need to address the issue. You will find women of your own decent and you need to support these women so that they can become financially independent. They need to learn how to speak and drive and learn the language. They need to have a place to go to. We need a better network so that women can connect with resources that are here. We helped a woman that we had come across and we helped her do a course to become an ultrasound technician. She eventually went back to her husband but it has improved her relationship and she has the confidence now to support herself.

Dr. Aisha Zafar chose to donate her $100 gift to Thaakat Foundation in support of our ‘Break the Silence’ Campaign.

 Read more about the contest Nominate an Exceptional Woman

I would like to…

I would like to take a moment to recognize Ayesha Lodhia, President and founder at Thaakat Atlanta. Ayesha was nominated for our “Nominate an Exceptional Woman” campaign and I can attest to the fact that she is EXCEPTIONAL. She has set standards at Thaakat- from leading the MVP of all fundraising teams in their inaugural year, to creating their own annual report and blog, launching the most diverse group on campus, committing to the most volunteer hours over a semester, to really leading with her heart. Unfortunately, Thaakat folks were exempt from an official win, though she won me over long ago!

Over the last few years with Thaakat, she has been an inspiration to me and to others. She has shown what the fruits of hard work can be and has brought to life the words- that nothing is impossible.

Thank you Ayesha for all you do as a team mate and for all you are as a person. Ayesha is GOOD for Life.

Much Love,

Uzma Bawany
Executive Director@Thaakat

Our Guest Panel Speaks UP!

In honor of International Women’s Day we launched a contest for folks to nominate an exceptional woman who works hard to give back to our communities and/or goodwill. The top 3 nominees will receive a $100 contribution towards a charity of their choice and a Break the Silence shirt. Their story will also be featured on our blog.

We have 4 guest panelists who are currently judging the heartfelt nominations and can’t wait to reveal our winners!

We did however want to shed some light on our very humble panelists who wanted to eagerly help the cause. See below on why each of them feels its important to SPEAK UP against violence against women.

Lak Rana: Actor, Writer, Producer and Director. Recently featured in Grey’s Anatomy and Castle.

What Lak had to say about the campaign:
Lak was a huge supporter of our campaign from the moment we contacted him. Recently having taken a trip to India during the time of when news of the Delhi gang rape came to light, he felt disheartened and wanted to be a voice. “To end violence against women, we must first believe we can create change as individuals.  Every voice does matter.”

Albert Chan: Manager of Shelter Operations, New York Women’s Asian Center

What Albert had to say: Albert works day and out at NYWAC with the women and children who are affected most. He rises to the occaision to do whatever he can to bring a smile to their faces. Every year we work with Albert and his team to uplift the peace garden they have at the center’s backyard. NYWAC supports these women, whether it be standing with them at the steps of city hall to demand justice or to help them find a voice of courage. “Because domestic violence is viewed as a private family matter, some ethnic communities are often silent in response to abuse. This perception ends up condoning violence and discouraging women from speaking out or seeking escape. When some of the victims do try to seek help, they are often punished with blame, stigma and shame. With a shared understanding of the nuances of domestic violence in our culture, we are the advocates for the victims and this will send a clear message that violence against their mothers, sisters and daughters will not be tolerated. We will inform the survivors of their rights and the available assistance and encourage them to seek help.”

Paiy Hans: International Model and showstopper, to be taking the runway in Italy later this year.

What Paiy had to say about the campaign:
As a young girl I had once heard my father recite a verse from the Guru Granth Sahib, it said…
“From woman, man is born; within woman, man is conceived; to woman he is engaged and married. Woman becomes his friend; through woman, the future generations come. When his woman dies, he seeks another woman; to woman he is bound. So why call her bad or disrespect her? From her, kings are born. From woman, woman is born; without woman, there would be no one at all.— Guru Nanak,

“500 years later, We see women suffer, having two daughters of my own I set examples for them as a role model in women empowerment. I would like to see more respect for women considering the huge role they play from a Stay at home Mom, to a Soldier, Doctor, Explorer, a Hero, an Entrepreneur and so on.  Women struggle and suffer pain to ensure the continuation of the human race and have in the past decades proven to be tougher and courageous soldiers in all aspects of life. Women should be celebrated, respected, honored and commemorated.”

Abir Salim: Great thaakat friend and avid supporter of Break the Silence

What Abir had to say: Abir has been a huge supporter of our campaign since its launch. In the last year she’s donated luxurious pieces of her jewelry line REMIII to help us raise funds for Break the Silence. Abir has been a go to gal anytime we’ve needed her  advise on how to build this campaign from the ground up.

Nominate an Exceptional Woman Today!

International Women’s Day is annually held on March 8 to celebrate women’s achievements throughout history and across nations. It is also known as the United Nations (UN) Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace.

In honor of this day we are accepting nominations for an exceptional woman who works hard to give back to our communities and/or goodwill. The top 3 nominees will receive a $100 contribution towards a charity of their choice and a Break the Silence shirt. Their story will also be featured on our blog.

Thank you to our corporate contributors for helping to make this possible.

Please NOMINATE now through March 17, 2013!

Thaakat Foundation Launches Charity Benefit to Support Global Projects

WOODBRIDGE, NJ– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once said that “the life of a man consists not in seeing visions and in dreaming dreams, but in active charity and in willing service,” – the young professionals of Thaakat Foundation believe that it actually consists of both.

On October 4^th, 2012 Thaakat Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 non profit organization, will be hosting “A Mid-Autumn Night’s Dream”,  a live charity auction to fund the organization’s latest initiative, #lethedreambe’. This initiative aims to develop a school in a village in the outskirts of Karachi, Pakistan. The village is called Kachra Kundi, a garbage dump site home to hundreds of families living in the midst of smoke-filled hills of waste. The project, in partnership with Idara-al-Khair (Karachi, Pakistan), has raised $27,000 to date which accounts for nine classrooms including furnishings and supplies.

 Please join us at Ariana’s Grand in Woodbridge, NJ on October 4^th, for cocktails and networking at 7:30PM followed by a dinner, live auction and performance by comedy king Saad Haroon. The event will also be featuring an acoustic session with musical mastermind Denis Lipari.

 We would like to thank our sponsors in advance for providing food, entertainment, and auction prizes. Catering and auction prizes have been donated by the following organizations: Shahnawaz, AMR Catering, The Sweet Bread Factory, Laaj Studios, Brunswick Boxing & Fitness Club, Silk Road, and more! Special thanks to Draftfcb for their generous sponsorship of an entire classroom!  Thank you also to em[POWER] for their introduction and continued support of the project.

 We look forward to having you be a part of this event. If you require any special accommodations, please contact Ridah Mannan at (646) 784-6817 or via email at ridahamannan@gmail.com. If you a business owner and would like to sponsor our event in anyway, please contact us today!

East Coasters: RSVP for A Mid-Autumn Night’s Dream

Event Date: October, 4 2012 @ Ariana’s Grand, Woodbridge, NJ (Please ensure to RSVP to guarantee yourself a seat)

If you are a business owner and would like to sponsor the cause this evening or would like to donate an item valued $100 or more to our charity auction please email thaakat@gmail.com with the title “I WANT TO GIVE BACK”

If you would like to take an extra step in supporting the cause and would like to volunteer by helping us spread the word please email us with the title “LETS DO THIS”

Really getting anxious and have a pressing question: TEXT US at 847 946 3549