BAPS Charities Walk raises funds

CHINO, CA: On Saturday, September 19, over 600 community members participated in the BAPS Charities Walkathon, supporting 'United We Serve', a national effort launched by President Obama to engage Americans in serving their communities this summer. In keeping with its Walkathon theme, "Building a Better Community, One Step at a Time", part of the proceeds from this year's Walkathon will go to American Diabetes Association and Friends of the James S. Thalman Chino Hills Branch Library.

"This summer, I'm calling on all of you to make volunteerism and community service part of your daily life and the life of this nation," said President Obama in a video message.  "Economic recovery is as much about what you're doing in your communities as what we're doing in Washington - and it's going to take all of us, working together."

"We are pleased to join this national effort and thank the President for making this call to service," said Nilkanth Patel, President of BAPS Charities. "BAPS Charities is taking part in 'United We Serve' by organizing nearly 125 community service events including health fairs, blood donation drives, health awareness campaigns and walkathons like this one all across the country." 

"Children, teens, and adults from all across Chino Hills put aside their busy schedules and walked with their friends and family to serve the local community," said Kalpesh Mistry, Public Relations Coordinator of Chino Hills Mandir. "We are indebted to the participants. Their time and commitment made this event which benefited diabetics a huge success."

American Diabetes Association (ADA) is an organization that strives to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by this disease. "This event could be called perfect. Everything was well organized and it was really a class one event. I feel honored to be tied to an event like this because it does the community so much good," said Matt Bean, Manager of ADA, Inland Empire group.

The 5K Walkathon, held at Crossroads Park, Chino Hills inspired people to go the extra mile to make a difference in someone's life.

"This was an eye opening experience for me. My mother was recently diagnosed with diabetes and I knew that I had to help in some way. My mother's condition drove me to go out every day and raise money for the American Diabetes Association," said Bijal Patel, a college student.

Sharon Wilson, Chino Hills, appreciated the efforts of BAPS Charities. "I have been organizing and attending events like theses since I was 18 and so far, this walk hosted by BAPS was the best. Everything was taken care of and it was done by the book. The flag salute, the welcoming of the dignitaries, it was all just exceptionally done," explained Wilson.

Over 35 BAPS Charities centers across North America will hold walkathons in their region. The annual Walkathon is one of many initiatives that BAPS Charities takes to support local communities.

Throughout the year, BAPS Charities hosts medical fairs, education and career development seminars, blood drives and much more. BAPS Charities sincerely serves the community, by improving the quality of life of individuals and families. For information, please visit www.bapscharities.org

India Post News Service