Since my family immigrated to the United States when I was just a child, I have had the opportunity to experience first-hand the many benefits and blessings this great country has to offer. And as I have written many times, I strongly believe that with success comes responsibility.
As a proud American and a living example that the American Dream is alive and well, there is no greater feeling for me than knowing that I am now able to help others who are less fortunate as they strive to achieve their dreams.
That is why I have created the Tariq Farid Foundation, a philanthropic, non-profit corporation providing support for worthwhile causes in the US and throughout the world.
The mission of the Tariq Farid Foundation is to alleviate suffering by providing for the basic needs of food and healthcare, and to improve lives through the support of education and skill development opportunities that enable individuals to reach their full potential.
We work toward our mission by supporting initiatives and organizations that:
- Feed the hungry and increase access to healthy foods.
- Provide healthcare services to those in need.
- Provide educational and job training opportunities.
- Improve the lives of women and children.
Already, I feel we are making a difference.
Earlier this month the Foundation provided a grant to the Youth@Work program of New Haven that will help create at least 30 summer jobs for area youth.
Late last week, the Foundation made a donation to the New Haven Register Fresh Air Fund, which will help send children to summer camp that would not otherwise be able to afford to attend.
We have also made several donations to food pantries and soup kitchens across Connecticut as well as to organizations that will provide youth with skill development opportunities this summer.
And this is just the start.
When my family moved to the United States, we had very little financial wealth, but we had hope — hope that we would be able to build a better life for ourselves. I can think of no greater tragedy than to be trapped in a situation in which all hope has disappeared. Yet in my travels around the world, I have seen first-hand that there are many men, women and children in such situations, with little or no hope that tomorrow will be any better than today.
My vision for the Tariq Farid Foundation is that we will be able to provide hope for a better future to those who need it most. And I hope that others will share my enthusiasm for helping those in need whenever and wherever possible.
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