Afshan Qureshi knew she wanted her birthday to involve more than the typical presents, cake and balloons. That’s why the San Francisco resident invited 7 of her closest girlfriends to take a trip to New Orleans, where the group celebrated Afshan’s birthday by volunteering with Green Light!

Afshan and her friends assisted with Green Light’s rain barrel program. The group painted five barrels,which have already been installed at an applicant’s home.

Take a look at what the birthday group was able to accomplish while they visited Green Light:

“To live is to serve,” Afshan said. “Traveling for my birthday to my favorite city in America was a privilege. Having my closest girlfriends agree to accompany me was an honor. And spending time giving back to the community of New Orleans was a responsibility, one my friends and I engaged in with happiness. The minute I decided I wanted to take a trip to celebrate my 30th birthday, I also knew I wanted to start my day off in service to the community with my closest friends.”

Afshan’s group represented ethnicities from all over the world, including Afghanistan, Eritrea, Pakistan and Somalia. The diverse group shares common values, though, Afshan said.

“The eight of us strive to live on this Earth giving more than taking,” she said. “We love one another as sisters and some of us have known each other since childhood and others met during our time at UC Berkeley. We feel fortunate to be bonded in friendship and we motivate one another to be our best selves.”

The group did get a chance to explore the city a bit, counting Brennan’s, Gene’s Po Boys, Oceania, Dizzy’s and Attiki among their restaurant destinations. The weekend was rounded out by mocktails at the Ace Hotel and a swamp tour in Jean Lafitte National Park.

“New Orleans is truly a special place and those of us returning to the city and those of us who visited for the first time had a great time alike!”

Although it was Afshan’s birthday, Green Light was the one that received the gifts: volunteer time and a fundraiser the group put together that ended up raising $500! Green Light is so appreciative that Afshan and her friends decided to kick off her birthday celebration with a day of service. Thanks Afshan, and we’re glad you enjoyed the rest of your time celebrating in New Orleans!

Interested in having your own birthday party at Green Light? Go here.…