CHINO HILLS, CA: Shailey Patel from Eastvale woke up early on Saturday, June 15. She was thrilled knowing that her efforts were going to make a profound impact in the community. For the last eight weeks Shailey had taken up the cause of raising funds to support the local BAPS Charities Walk and raised over $100! At the age of 5, she was eager to help the cause in any way, and went door to door in her neighborhood collecting donations with her family. She also asked her friends at school as well as her teacher. Everyone was so pleased to see such a young girl take a strong initiative and helped in any way that she could.
The 2013 BAPS Charities walk, held at Veterans Park in Chino Hills, helped support the American Heart Association (AHA) and the Chino Hills Community Foundation (CHCF).
This year’s walkathon brought together over 600 participants of all ages. The walk was launched with a traditional prayer for world peace followed by opening speeches by members of the city council and fellow dignitaries.
The American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest, largest voluntary organization devoted to fighting cardiovascular diseases and stroke. It was founded by six cardiologists in 1924. The organization now includes more than 22.5 million volunteers and supporters working tirelessly to eliminate these diseases. They fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies and provide lifesaving tools and information to save and improve lives.
Dr Srinivas T. Reddy, Professor of Medicine at UCLA Medical School stated: “These funds help us accomplish our mission statement, to Live and Learn. With the donations, we will be able to help students in their research for new ways of cardiovascular disease prevention.”
Funds were also raised for the benefit of the local heroes from the Chino Valley Independent Fire District and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s department, who serve to protect the public on a day-to-day basis. Chief Atkinson of the Fire District shared with the audience that “From the donations we received from BAPS Charities, we were able to buy two laptops for our training division, and it greatly helps us out.”
The major local beneficiary was the Chino Hills Community Foundation. They are committed to enhancing the quality of life in Chino Hills. The Foundation serves as a catalyst and resource for local philanthropy that benefits all citizens of the community in areas such as facilities, education, recreation, the environment. It is also dedicated to strengthening of the community for now and for future generations.
Cynthia Moran, Foundations Vice Chair shared with everyone that “With organizations like BAPS Charities, we are able to work towards fulfilling our mission, of enhancing the quality of life in Chino Hills through educational programs and culturally. We are still in the infancy stage of our foundation but there are so many more great things to happen with the foundation, and our motto is, ‘working together we can make great things happen in Chino Hills.'”
Upon completing the 5K walk, Kirtan Patel proudly stated, “It was great to walk with my friends in this great weather, and at the same time help out numerous beneficiaries that strive to make our community and the world a better place!”
Numerous volunteers were also there early to help make the day possible as well as participated in the event. Digant Thakker said, “Participating in events like this walkathon allows me to give back to my community in a meaningful way.
The walkathon was a wonderful opportunity for my entire family to come together and contribute to something that would create a positive impact in our community”.
Similar walks took place in over 40 cities throughout North America wherein over 13,000 participants walked over 45,000 miles. In addition to annual walkathons, BAPS Charities hosts health fairs, Children’s health and safety day programs, education and career development seminars, disaster relief operations, blood drives and much more. BAPS Charities sincerely serves the community, by improving the quality of life of individuals and families.
India Post News Service
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