Ribbon cutting
REMONT, CA: The BAPS Charities 10K annual walkathon organized by BAPS Charities was held at Fremont’s Lake Elizabeth and drew over 250 community volunteers despite the drizzle. Walkers of all age groups participated as they went around Lake Elizabeth four times to complete the 10k.
This year’s theme was “Building a Better Community, One Step at a Time.” Proceeds from this year’s walk were given to Children’s Hospital & Research Center Oakland, Milpitas Unified School District, and BAPS Charities.
A representative from Children’s Hospital & Research Center Oakland said that the hospital is “the only independent children’s hospital in Northern California.
We are 100% focused on kids, 100% of the time. Thank you again BAPS for supporting the Children’s Hospital & Research Center in Oakland.”
Mindy Bowler, Director of Educational Services, Curriculum and Instruction, thanked BAPS Charities for supporting the Milpitas Unified School District and said, “These are such economically difficult times and in particular, for education in California, it has never been tougher.
We continue to struggle to give our students the quality education that they deserve. Thanks to organizations such as yours, the support has made a significant difference.”
Ajay Patel, one of the lead volunteers said, “BAPS Charities is a humanitarian wing which has organizations all over the world, with 50 centers in North America.
September is walkathon month and a walk is happening in over 30 centers throughout North America. The proceeds go to local charities like schools and hospitals.”
It was great to see a charity serving the local community. Ajay Patel added that, “BAPS Charities has a belief that you should serve your local community as well as you can. If our schools improve, our communities improve. It’s simple common sense.”
The 10K walkathon inspired people to go the extra mile to make a difference in the lives of children. With each step, participants of all ages joined hands and raised funds to build awareness for children’s health and education. This was the first time it had rained on this walk in the past 13 years and what a way it was to break the heat.
Mayor Bob Wasserman, of Fremont, was the chief guest at the walkathon and appreciated the community support by BAPS Charities. “It’s easy to have a good, safe, peaceful community when it is full of people like you who take care of each other, take care of the city, and take care of the needs of the people. That is one of the most important things we do,” he said.
“We are honored to walk for such a noble cause that will directly support the community that we call home,” said Sachin Shah, volunteer for BAPS. “This is a unique opportunity BAPS Charities has to bring together old and young to serve the community. We’re humbled by the energy of all the volunteers that have come out to make today a tremendous success.”
“I love how this walkathon involves everyone, and I’m so happy to be a part of this day,” said Sonia Chalakka, a walkathon participant from Fremont. “Especially when BAPS supports the local community, we definitely want to be a part of it,” added Chitra Chalakka, another walker from Fremont.
Heli Patel, 16, of Pleasanton, a volunteer from BAPS, got to Lake Elizabeth Park at 6:30am to help prepare for the day’s event. “I am excited for today’s walkathon! Events like this allow us to bond with each other and do something positive for the wider community.”
Kavita Arora is Anchor & Co Producer Sitaare TV
Kavita Arora
India Post News Service
