There’s probably nothing more memorable about childhood than the birthday parties most of us were lucky enough to have growing up. Filled with gifts, balloons, and of course cake they were something to look forward to every year. But sadly, due to myriad reasons but mostly the financial burden some families aren’t able to take on, not everyone gets to share that memory.
This month’s #BeBetter Hero, 17-yr old Tanvi Barman, is on a mission to change that.
Tanvi spent much of her childhood volunteering with her family at a local homeless shelter and one year when she was glowing, talking about her upcoming birthday party — she realized that birthday parties are a luxury for many… that the families she was serving in that shelter didn’t have the means to throw one for their own kids, and some that never have had one in their life.
That’s when No Birthday Left Behind was born.
“If I can bring one smile to each homeless child one birthday at a time then I don’t see why not.” - Tanvi Barman
“Every child deserves to feel special on their birthday,” Barman said during an interview with her local San Francisco CBS station. Adding that “It’s so sad that they’re already changing schools so much, they’re already struggling with food and clothes. And to not be able to feel special one day of the year, that’s just not okay.”
Now incorporating five different shelters around San Francisco, she hosts monthly birthday parties for the child whose birthday falls on that month. Although they are typically small in size and can only offer the basic amenities, her efforts are gaining nationwide attention.
Now, there’s face painting, puppet shows, and even custom birthday cakes that are donated from the community.
Deprived of the normal upbringing that a regular child has, Tanvi wants these kids to at least experience the same kind of birthday party that she was accustomed to.
When she talks about NBLB and what it’s able to offer kids in these situations, her passion is unquestionable. At the time of this writing, she’s already thrown 45 birthdays and has no plans on stopping any time soon.
With plans to expand NBLB to other states across the U.S., Barman is creating unforgettable celebrations for homeless kids, from babies to teenagers, who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity. And with that, we dedicate this month’s #BeBetter honor to her and all the birthday wishes she is making come true!
Do you have a similar story to Tanvi? Some type of personal mission to enrich the lives of others and correct and injustice you see because it’s simply the right thing to do?
Take a minute to tell us and describe how it lives up to the I Do It For Her mission and maybe we can help you continue having that impact! And if you haven’t already, please consider making a tax-exempt donation to help us provide partial scholarships to low-income students attending college.
Hope you’re having a great start to 2020 and that one of your resolutions was to be that person who inspires others just like Tanvi Barman has done.
- Adam
Photo, video, and other content courtesy of Positive Outlooks, Good Morning America, and 1GirlRevolution