Mindy Kaling, Indian-American filmmaker, actress, author, donates $40,000 on 40th birthday

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Mindy Kaling, one of the most recognized names in the Hollywood film world, celebrated her 40th birthday announcing she is donating to forty non-profit organizations doing good works.

In a tweet June 24, Kaling said, “I’m so grateful to have my wonderful, peaceful life w/ my daughter Katherine. How lucky am I to turn 40? I would love to express my gratitude by donating $1000 to 40 different charitable orgs that help others. Pls suggest some! I will kick it off by giving $1000 to @RAICESTEXAS!”

RAICES is the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services in Texas, a frontline organization founded in 1986 as the Refugee Aid Project by community activists in South Texas. Now it is the largest immmigration legal service provider in Texas, according to the website, with 130 attorneys, legal assistants, and support staff. In 2017 along, RAICES staff closed 51,000 cases at no cost to clients, the organization said.

Among its 6 ‘Directors’ is Manoj Govindaiah, in charge of legal strategy and training. Govindaiah was director of Family Detention Services before that, and has spent his career working at non-profit legal services agencies in immigration.

Kaling received close to 40,000 likes for her tweet.

Earlier, the versatile artist, who has worked on television sitcoms, acted in them, made feature length movies, and is on several future projects, tweeted, “Just doing what I do every birthday morning, listening to the Graceland album and weeping my eyes out, reflecting on the joys and heartbreaks of my life. Today I look back, tomorrow I look forward. Happy birthday to me – I worked hard these 40 years.”

Numerous people responded with suggestions on the charitable organizations she could contribute to, and Kaling responded with the ones she was giving to based on the suggestions.

Requests and recommendations ranged from @WildlifeSOS in India to an organization in Malawi, and women’s health research, children’s support organizations, LGBTQIA youth, gender justice organizations, multiple sclerosis research, natural resource conservation, support for elephants, to name just a few.

Kaling took many of the suggestions and gave a running commentary on the ones she selected.

“Two more great organizations, from my hometown, Boston! @RosiesPlace @PineStreetInn #37-#38″

“My last $1000 is going to @ThePadProject1, which was the subject of the Oscar-winning documentary “Period. End of Sentence.” It supplies steady incomes to women and creates pads to women in areas where they don’t exist! #40,” she tweeted.

Ending the session, Kaling promised – “Thanks everyone who suggested all the worthy organizations for me to give to. I hope you were as inspired as I was! There’s so many more and I promise to keep giving,” with emojis of a pink birthday cake and a big pink heart.

Kaling’s latest movie, “Late Night” starring Emma Thompson and Kaling, opened in theaters June 12, to critical acclaim. She is reportedly involved in making another feature on a big fat Indian wedding theme.