In honor of Valentine’s Day, we want to share one of our favorite heartfelt campaigns of 2012 here at the Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. (AKF USA). Many of our donors inspire us with the dedication and energy that they put into fundraising for our programs. Today we spotlight a young couple’s generous desire to transform their “I do’s” into “I do good.”
On September 1st, 2012 Murad Merchant and Afshi Charania celebrated their wedding with 350 of their closest friends and family members at the Safari Texas Ranch in Richmond, Texas. While it was a joyous occasion for everyone present, the couple made sure their special day was significant for many more than just their guests. Instead of the traditional gift registry, the generous bride and groom decided to donate their wedding day to those in need through the Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A.
“My husband and I had independently arrived at the conclusion that when and if we ever had our ‘big’ day we wanted to share our good fortune with those less fortunate than ourselves. There was no other institution that was more befitting for us to channel our resources to the poor than the Aga Khan Foundation,” said Afshi.
With the support of their friends and family, the couple raised over $10,000 to fund programs dedicated to ending global poverty. That scale of generosity can supply water pumps across 12 villages in rural Kenya or train 400 members of farmer organizations in Mali in the skills they need to become more prosperous farmers.
For Murad and Afshi, donating their wedding day was both a symbol, and a tangible offering for the future. “Asking our guests to make a donation to the Foundation in lieu of a gift to us was one way for us to share their blessings for our marital future by touching the lives of those in need. Our hope is that through this material gift the beneficiaries whose lives have been improved…will continue to keep the circle of giving alive by giving to others less fortunate than themselves,” said the bride.
Growing up in Pakistan, both bride and groom became familiar with the foundation’s work in North Pakistan at a young age. They continued their involvement when they moved to the United States. In 1997, Afshi joined the team for the first Houston Partnership Walk, an initiative of AKF USA. For her, “it was only [when] I started volunteering that I realized the long-term impact of the Foundation’s work on the beneficiaries whose lives it touched.”
The couple has some advice for others considering charitable nuptials: “It is important that in doing so, one work with a credible organization, such as the Aga Khan Foundation, that will ensure the funds are distributed as per the intent of those giving and the need of the beneficiaries.” The Aga Khan Foundation makes such donation options easier by providing couples with donor reports, so that the bride and groom can send their guests personal thank-you notes.
“To ask one’s guests to give to a charitable cause is a very personal [decision]…We were fortunate to have so many of our guests honor our request and contribute to the Foundation in support of its programs,” said Afshi.
Inspired? Contact donorservices.akfusa@akdn.org to find out how you can donate to the Foundation or create your own customized fundraising campaign.