Diplomats take to runway for Thrive Bangladesh’s school meals programme

Ambassadors and High Commissioners from 17 countries walked the ramp at the Thrive Benefit Fashion Show, held on 30 October 2026 at Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport, the event’s hospitality partner, in support of Thrive Bangladesh’s school meals programme. Founded in 2012 by Priscilla Perry Heffelfinger, Gina Gabel, and Regina Landor, Thrive Bangladesh is a nonprofit organisation that delivers nutritious school meals to children across the country, with the belief that no child should have to learn on an empty stomach.
The evening brought together members of the diplomatic community, heads of United Nations agencies, corporate sponsors, donors, and guests to provide nutritious meals for schoolchildren across Bangladesh.
The event was made possible with the support and leadership of His Excellency Michael Miller, Ambassador of the European Union to Bangladesh, and his wife, Phillipa Wood, who championed the initiative from its earliest stages.
“As the government works to expand school meals nationwide, initiatives like Thrive Bangladesh support our commitment to improving nutrition and keeping children in school. No child’s education should be held back by hunger,” said Chief Guest Bobby Hajjaj, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education, Government of Bangladesh.
“Tonight, some of the world’s most seasoned diplomats stepped onto a runway for the children of Bangladesh. Every ticket and every pledge turns directly into a meal in a child’s hands, and the difference between a child who can learn and one who cannot,” said Amna Rahman, Chair of Thrive Bangladesh.

“Thrive’s food helps keep children in school. By providing nutritious daily meals, we help children stay healthy, attend regularly, and make the most of their education,” said Kanwal Bakshi Bhagat, Deputy Chair of Thrive Bangladesh.
“Every nutritious meal is a gift of health, hope, and a brighter tomorrow,” said Sadia Moyeen, Deputy Chair of Thrive Bangladesh.
“We are honoured to be the hospitality partner for Thrive and hope this marks the debut of Dhaka’s most meaningful annual event,” said Ashwani Nayar, Cluster General Manager, Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport.
Funds raised will support daily meals comprising fresh fruit, vegetables, and proteins such as eggs, milk, and nuts for 13 current partner schools, and enable Thrive to add more schools requesting its daily meals.
Thrive Bangladesh thanks its generous event sponsors, Karotoa Green Spinning Mills Ltd, City Bank PLC, Agile Minds Solution Ltd, Rancon, ZXY International, and Nestlé Bangladesh PLC, and its hospitality partner, Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport.