About the Austin Rehan Thompson Purple Light Foundation
The Austin Rehan Thompson Purple Light Foundation was created in loving memory of Nilmini’s late son, Austin, a young man whose bright spirit, kindness, and compassion continue to inspire every part of this mission.
Our foundation focuses on lifting individuals and families facing hardship in both United States and Sri Lanka. We support educational opportunities, mental-health programs, youth development, and relief for underprivileged communities. In times of crisis, we also provide direct assistance to help families rebuild and regain stability.
Guided by Austin’s light, we believe in showing up for those who need hope the most, with dignity, care, and purpose. Every act of giving extends his legacy and strengthens the communities we serve.
Our Current Effort
Sri Lanka, the place where I grew up and went to school, is facing one of the worst flood disasters it has experienced in decades after being struck by a powerful cyclone in November and December 2025, Sri Lanka cyclone: More than a million still need aid weeks after Ditwah floods | UN News. Many families, including parts of my own, have lost their homes, livelihoods, and even loved ones. With little to no insurance or safety net, most are struggling to rebuild their lives from the ground up.
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Through the Austin Rehan Thompson Purple Light Foundation, a 501(c)(3), our goal is to raise $100,000 to provide direct support to those affected. These efforts will focus on rebuilding homes, improving damaged roads, and supporting local schools so communities can begin to recover and move forward. If you feel moved to help, any contribution can make a meaningful difference during this painful time.
My heart remains with Sri Lanka, even as the United States is now my home. Thank you to everyone willing to stand with those in need.
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Nilmini Thompson, CEO/President
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Honoring Austin's Legacy Through Service
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Alabama A&M University Scholarship The Austin Rehan Thompson Purple Light Foundation is proud to support Alabama A&M University’s program through a continuous annual scholarship donation of $5,000. This ongoing commitment reflects the Foundation’s dedication to leadership, discipline, and service, values that were deeply important to Austin and remain central to our mission. By investing in AAMU scholarship program, the Foundation helps support the education, training, and development of future leaders who are committed to serving their communities and country. Our continued support underscores our belief in empowering young people through opportunity, structure, and mentorship
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Alabama Buddhist Temple Vihara The Austin Rehan Thompson Purple Light Foundation holds a deep and meaningful connection with the Alabama Buddhist Temple Vihara. This organization is very dear to our Foundation, and its mission of compassion, peace, and community service closely aligns with our own values. In support of this mission, the Foundation has pledged $75,000 over the next five years, reflecting a long-term commitment to sustaining the Temple’s programs and its positive impact on the community. This pledge represents our dedication to honoring Austin’s legacy through ongoing support of organizations that foster unity, service, and care for others.​​​​​
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Bob Jones High School JROTC Scholarship Bob Jones High School JROTC holds a special place in the heart of the Austin Rehan Thompson Purple Light Foundation. Austin was a dedicated and proud member of the JROTC program, and his involvement helped shape his values of leadership, discipline, and service, principles that continue to guide our foundation today. In honor of Austin’s legacy, the Foundation has proudly provided continuous annual support of $5,000 to the Bob Jones High School JROTC program since 2022. This ongoing contribution reflects our commitment to supporting young leaders and ensuring that the program Austin loved continues to inspire, educate, and empower future generations.
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The Care Center - Gurley, AL, 2024 The Austin Rehan Thompson Purple Light Foundation is honored to support The Care Center in Gurley and its mission to serve individuals and families in need. The Foundation donated $1,000 to assist with remodel efforts, helping improve the facility so it can better serve the community. This contribution supports the creation of a more welcoming and functional space ensuring that The Care Center can continue providing essential resources with dignity and care to those who rely on its services.
Birmingham Homeless Community, 2024 The Austin Rehan Thompson Purple Light Foundation proudly supported the Birmingham Homeless Community, helping meet critical needs within the Birmingham area. Through this support, the Foundation provided blankets, food, hygiene items, and other essential supplies to individuals experiencing homelessness. These contributions helped offer comfort, dignity, and immediate relief to those facing hardship. The Foundation remains committed to supporting organizations that provide compassionate care and meaningful assistance to vulnerable populations.
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Panama City, Panama Schools, 2023 The Austin Rehan Thompson Purple Light Foundation is committed to supporting children and families beyond our local community. Through our work with schools in Panama City, Panama, the Foundation has donated approximately $10,000 to help address critical needs including air conditioning for classrooms, food, and other essential needs. These contributions have helped create a more comfortable and supportive learning environment for students while also providing essential resources to families who are less fortunate. By helping to feed families and improve school conditions, the Foundation is proud to play a role in ensuring children have a safe, stable, and welcoming place to learn and grow.
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Huntsville Homeless Community, 2021 The Austin Rehan Thompson Purple Light Foundation is deeply committed to supporting the Huntsville homeless community by addressing immediate needs with compassion and dignity. Through this effort, the Foundation has provided warm blankets, hot meals, hygiene kits, and other essential supplies to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. These basic necessities, often taken for granted, can make a critical difference for those facing extreme weather, food insecurity, and limited access to personal care resources. Our goal is not only to offer relief, but also to remind individuals that they are seen, valued, and supported by their community. By working to meet people where they are, the Purple Light Foundation continues its mission of service and advocacy, ensuring that vulnerable populations in Huntsville receive care, warmth, and hope during challenging times.