 What do you get when you mix a family that values social impact with a mom renowned for her mouthwatering wedding cakes? The result is an inspired 17-year-old woman on a mission to make a positive impact on our community. Meet Sahana Gupta, the founder of Hani's Heroes, an uplifting initiative that is bringing smiles to foster children in Charlottesville one homemade birthday cake at a time.
Sahana grew up enjoying the elaborate birthday cakes baked by her mom, Anita, a professional baker. More importantly, Sahana has been inspired by her parent’s involvement in social impact initiatives. From her Mom’s engagement in Mom’s Demand Action to her family’s regular volunteer efforts at The Haven, Sahana has seen first-hand her family make a positive impact in our community. Sahana, a senior at Charlottesville High School, officially launched Hani's Heroes in 2022 after a conversation with a former teacher who was fostering two nieces. Inspired by the birthday cakes her mom created for her, Sahana saw an opportunity to create equally special memories for kids in need in our community. With the support of her family, Sahana reached out to Community Attention Foster Families (CAFF) in Charlottesville, and they wholeheartedly embraced the idea. Over the past year, Sahana has baked and delivered more than 70 homemade birthday cakes to foster children in our community. Interested CAFF families can place orders through her website, where children get to choose cake flavors, icing, filling, and sprinkles. Sahana then connects with the families via email to learn more about the child and the specifics of the birthday. Her ultimate goal is to bake a personalized cake that excites and brings joy to each child. “I want these kids to have the same feeling of excitement and joy I had when they see their cake.” To meet the growing demand, Sahana has relied on her supportive family and the generous Charlottesville community. To cover the approximate $15 cost of each cake, Sahana has raised funds through her website, and the entire Gupta family has actively contributed to the in-house operation. Sahana's love for Charlottesville and our community shines through her work. She recognizes there are numerous individuals dedicated to improving their community, which continues to inspire her. What's most impressive about Sahana is her unwavering commitment to Hani's Heroes. Balancing the demands of the college application process, a rigorous STEM-focused academic curriculum, and preparing to defend a 4x100-meter relay outdoor track state title in the coming spring, Sahana remains undaunted. With dreams of becoming a pediatrician, Hani's Heroes allows her to channel her passion for children into tangible action. "The kids are my heroes. Making these cakes is a way to blend my love for children and my desire to make a difference. It's incredible to see this small effort make birthdays more special for these kids." As Sahana heads off to college next year, she is committed to carrying forward the legacy of Hani's Heroes. She envisions expanding her efforts through bakery partnerships and involving local students interested in making a positive community impact. In a time when our youth face countless challenges, Sahana's work serves as a shining example of how simple acts can have a profound impact on the lives of others. As a former foster parent, I can personally attest to Sahana's impact within the foster family community. Sahana is doing incredible work. If moved by her story, I encourage you to consider one or all of the following:
Stay positive, Cville!
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