Good morning, friends! 👋

Today, we're turning back the clock to 1908, when Mother's Day was observed for the first time in the United States, in Grafton, West Virginia. A heartfelt gesture initiated by Anna Jarvis to honor her own mother, the celebration has since bloomed into a day of love and appreciation for mothers everywhere.

As we approach this year's Mother's Day on Sunday, May 14th, let's take a moment to acknowledge the incredible women who've nurtured, inspired, and supported us throughout our lives. They deserve more than just a day to be celebrated, but let's make this one extra special!

While we can't hand out bouquets of flowers to each and every one of you, we've got a nice assortment of uplifting stories and good news to brighten your day! 👇

Quote of the Day 🗣

A Girl Scout Troop Like None Other 🍪

As the Girl Scouts' annual cookie sale concludes, focus shifts to Troop 6000, comprised entirely of girls experiencing homelessness or living in shelters. Their cookie sales, amounting to over $1.6 million since 2017, cover all fees for activities and have positively impacted around 2,500 women and girls across more than 20 shelters in Greater New York. The troop's founder, Giselle Burgess, who once lived in a shelter herself, has led the troop to thrive, further boosted by Bank of America matching their cookie sales this year.

The troop's success has sparked the formation of similar troops around the country, and it has also extended its reach to New York City’s Emergency Response and Relief Centers, including immigrants and asylum seekers. Currently, Troop 6000 includes about 100 migrant girls, and it also offers their mothers a chance to lead in their communities by taking on volunteer roles within the troops.

Troop 6000 not only provides a support system and community for these girls and women, but it also helps them to develop personal skills and self-confidence. From initially shy members, many of these girls have grown to be more outgoing, with ambitions to help others in the future. This troop is more than just about selling cookies; it's about empowering young women to overcome their circumstances and aspire for more.

The Inspiring Story of the 50/31 Challenge 💪

Brian Lewis, a 26-year-old from New York, is inviting everyone to take part in the 50/31 challenge: a month-long fitness and fundraising initiative benefiting the National Brain Tumor Society. This challenge, which Lewis started in 2020, encourages participants to run 50 miles in 31 days. The annual event has grown significantly, with over 1,052 participants in 2023, raising more than $12,251 so far towards a goal of $50,000. The challenge is particularly meaningful to Lewis as he lost his father to brain cancer when he was just 10 years old.

Participants, including Lewis' friends and family, join the challenge not only to stay active, but also to support a cause that has personally affected many of them. Lewis believes that people can truly discover their capabilities when they push their limits and come together for a good cause. For Christian Spagnuola, a close friend of Lewis', the challenge is an opportunity to honor his cousin who was born with a brain tumor.

The 50/31 challenge has raised nearly $68,000 for the National Brain Tumor Society to date. Lewis, his older sister Amy, and their mother Joan, also participate in memory of Marc Lewis, Brian's father. Despite the physical demands of the challenge, they believe it's worth pushing oneself for one month each year to support such a critical cause. Brian Lewis hopes that more people will join the challenge, step out of their comfort zones, and help make a difference in the lives of those battling brain cancer.

A healthy life starts with what you eat. Clean Plates can help you with that! 🥬

Clean Plates is a FREE newsletter sharing delicious recipes, shopping guides, and expert advice with over 500,000 readers! Here’s their 3-part motto:

1.  Healthy eating is personal... Just because your mother-in-law is #teampaleo, does not mean it's right for you. Clean Plates will help you figure out what is.

2. But some things are universal. “Eat more sugar,” said no one ever. Everyone can benefit from eating more whole foods and less junk food. Clean Plates will help you figure out how (it'll be fun, we swear!).

3. Mindset matters. Food is meant to be enjoyed. Clean Plates will help you build a relationship with food that's full of joy and free from guilt, confusion, and anxiety.

Did we mention they were endorsed by Oprah?

*Please support our sponsors! They help us keep The Hapiday Newsletter free! ❤️

Fantastic Finds 🔍

Renaming the base. Texas Army base Fort Hood is renamed for Hispanic 4-star general Richard Cavazos.

Chaos with a happy ending. A California man leaves his job interview, rescues a baby in a runaway stroller, and then returns back to the interview to land the job.

Saving the koalas. In Australia, scientists have begun vaccinating koalas against chlamydia for the first time ever.

The winners are in. Check out the list of 2023 Pulitzer Prize winners.

Hapi Hits 😊

🎤 Singing with daddy. This little girl sings an original metal song while dad adds in the instruments and effects.

🕺 Dancing weatherman. This weatherman does more than just tell us whether or not it’s going to rain.

👶 The baby slide. This dog tugs a box around the floor while a baby sits in it and enjoys the ride.

Post of the Day 👀

HapiReview of the Day 🎉

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