GiveLight Louisville Chapter

We launched a new Give Light Foundation (GLF) chapter in Louisville, Kentucky a few weeks ago.

Meet our wonderful chapter lead, Dr. Farheen Jamil, who single-handedly planned and executed the event with excellence, achieving better-than-expected outcomes. In her own words, she shares what motivated her, how she planned the event, and the key highlights:

1.What motivated you to start the GL chapter?

I have always believed that if Allah has blessed me, the best way to show gratitude is to share that blessing with the less privileged members of our society. I prayed that Allah would make me a champion for those most in need: the widows, orphans, and the needy. My path to Allah is through serving His creation. A hadith that touched my heart emphasizes that helping widows, orphans, and the needy is rewarded as if one is worshipping all night and fasting perpetually.

My sister, Faiza Jamil, introduced me to the Give Light Foundation many years ago. Dian Alyan, the founder of GLF, became my friend on Facebook. This past spring, Dian reached out to me, asking if I could help introduce GLF to Kentucky. After performing Istikhara, I knew this was the answer to my prayers to reach out to many orphans. Thus, the first chapter of the Give Light Foundation was born in Kentucky.

2.Can you tell us a little bit more about the event you launched?

As this was the first GLF event ever held in Kentucky, I decided to host a dinner open to the public (no tickets required).

Spreading the Message / Invitations: I received a digital flyer from GLF three months before the event, which I distributed to all the mosques and various communities in the city. I created a Facebook event and WhatsApp groups for invitations, and I reached out to individuals through text messages. After a few weeks, I followed up with phone calls. I studied the GLF website to familiarize myself with its accomplishments, the countries it serves, and those it intends to reach. My guests were primarily from countries where GLF has established orphanages or provides services to orphans.

Venue: I chose a centrally located and easily accessible banquet hall at a masjid.

Guest Speaker: I invited an eloquent and compassionate speaker, Mufti Asif, the founder of the first Muslim seminary in Kentucky, Hira Institute.

Food & Cuisine: I contacted two caterers—Masala Grill for a Desi touch and Safier for Mediterranean cuisine—to provide variety and reduce the burden on a single caterer.

IT: I enlisted a brother to assist with the microphone setup and sent him the Nasheeds that the children would perform, as well as GLF videos, a month in advance.

Seating and Stage Setup: A brother helped me set up chairs, tables, a stage, curtains, and banners the day before the event.

Entertainment: I practiced with a group of ten children for six weeks via Zoom and in-person meetings, teaching them two beautiful Nasheeds/Hamds at least 2-3 times a week.

3.What were your biggest concerns?

GLF was a new name in Kentucky, and I was concerned about hosting an event in the summer when many people expressed that they would be out of town. I worried about low attendance and whether we would raise enough funds.

4.How did you feel during and after the event?

The Give Light Foundation launched its first event on July 27, 2024, in Louisville, KY. Leading up to the event, I sometimes felt overwhelmed, as I was preparing everything myself. However, I had support from an IT person, a helper for setup, two caterers, and a guest speaker. Above all, I relied on the help of Almighty Allah.

I comforted myself by reminding myself that I was doing this solely for the sake of Allah. After putting in countless hours of work, I trusted that Al-Rahman would assist me.

I truly felt the presence of angels at the event! Everything went so smoothly and beautifully.

Louisville is a growing city, with mosques and Islamic schools still under construction, and donor fatigue is a reality. Many influential people who had initially confirmed their attendance canceled just days before the event. In these moments, I turned to Allah, saying, “I have done my part; I entrust the rest to You.” The event was a miracle—people tore up their previous checks and donated higher amounts!

Allah has His plans and ways of executing them. He knows who the givers are and handpicked these individuals to attend the event, wanting to bestow rewards upon them for helping orphans. The amount of funds raised in just one hour is proof that Allah can make the impossible possible, and He has already arranged for the sustenance of the orphans.

So never worry—keep your intention for Him, roll up your sleeves, work hard, and trust in Allah. He will bring miracles into your life. This event taught me the reality of Ainul Yaqeen and that Allah’s miracles happen in wondrous ways!

5.Advice for those wanting to host an event:

1. Perform Istikhara and proceed.
2. Be the first to donate. Have a check ready in an envelope well before your event. You cannot ask for donations if you haven’t first donated yourself.
3. Make your intention solely to seek Allah’s pleasure and to help the orphans.
4. Organize your event. Be prepared to work hard and smart.
5. Plan 2-3 months in advance.
6. Personally call your guests and follow up with texts and phone calls; this is crucial.
7. Familiarize yourself with the GLF—study their website.
8. Contact the CEO and Founder, Ms. Dian Alyan, to have all your questions answered.
9. Select your guest speaker 2-3 months in advance.
10. Choose the MC for the event.
11. Reach out to your caterers two months ahead. Choose cuisine based on your expected guests.
12. Coordinate with your IT person.
13. Make a list of items you need for the dinner and purchase them 2-3 weeks before the event.
14. Print one or two banners with GLF branding for display.
15. Prepare pledge forms in advance.
16. Set up the stage, backdrop, and seating one day prior.
17. On the day of the event, limit your work at the hall to 3-4 hours—be fresh and energetic for the dinner! Smile!
18. Arrange for a couple of paid helpers for cleanup.
19. Get giveaway boxes and pack leftover food for guests to take home, minimizing waste.
20. Give Sadaqa on the day of the event.
21. Read Nafl Hajah for the success of the event.
22. Read Nafl Shukr afterward, acknowledging Allah’s help.
23. Send personal thank-you messages to all your donors.
24. Mail the checks to Ms. Dian Alyan via FedEx.
25. Cherish this event and recognize that Allah has written a mighty reward for you, InshaAllah!
26. Feel free to contact me with any questions—I’m happy to help.

We are so grateful to our merciful Creator for connecting us with wonderful friends who share our passion for helping more orphans around the world.