Sep 27, 2011
For 89-year-old Tarulata Shah, doing her part for the community meant raising awareness for children’s health. Holding a cane in one hand and her son’s arm in the other, Mrs. Shah truly exemplified the spirit of service as she finally crossed the finish line of BAPS Charities Walk 2011.
"I like to walk,” she said. “We all know that it is good for your health. But today, we are walking to bring attention to two great charities, BAPS Charities and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta."
Ms. Shah was one of hundreds of community volunteers who participated in the BAPS Charities’ annual walkathon held on Sunday, September 18, 2011. In keeping with its theme, “Building a Better Community, One Step at a Time”, the proceeds from this year's walk will go to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
With each step, participants of all ages joined hands and raised funds to build awareness for children’s health issues.
“Walking for such a noble cause is a great honor,” said Anand Mehta, Vice President of BAPS Charities. “Organizing such an event as this walkathon is a unique opportunity BAPS Charities has to bring together old and young to serve the community. It is amazing to see such energy from all the volunteers that have come out to make today a tremendous success.”
“As friends and family came out to volunteer, there is no better way to foster unity within one’s community and to display the spirit of service,” said Dr. Jigar Patel, BAPS Charities spokesperson. “Just look at Mrs. Tarulata Shah’s example.”
BAPS Charities has had a long-standing partnership with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Fundraising Committee Board Member Alison Bounds represented the hospital system at the walk.
"It's wonderful to see your community and so many diverse communities supporting our pediatric hospital,” Ms. Bounds said. “This type of fundraising is vital to meeting the needs of our kids."
The 5K walkathon, held in Lilburn inspired people to go the extra mile to make a difference in someone’s life.
Also in attendance and showing their appreciation for the efforts of BAPS Charities at this year’s walk were State Representative Hugh Floyd, City of Lilburn officials and representatives from the grand sponsors of the walk.
With over 40 centers participating in similar walks across North America, this is just 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
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About BAPS Charities:
BAPS Charities is a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit international charity organization committed to sincerely serving the world by caring for individuals, families, and communities. It is affiliated with BAPS as an independent charity and social services arm. The 55,000 BAPS volunteers networked in over 3,300 centers around the world provide over 12 million volunteer-hours of service annually.
Among social service charities, BAPS Charities is a well-respected and trusted name. It has amassed over 50 years of firsthand experience in initiating, managing, and sustaining 160 humanitarian operations throughout the world in such diverse fields as: medical services, environmental services, community services, tribal services, and disaster relief services.
For additional information on BAPS Charities and its international and local philanthropic activities, please visit www.bapscharities.org
About Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta:
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, a not-for-profit organization, is committed to enhancing the lives of children through excellence in patient care, research and education. Managing more than half a million patient visits annually at three hospitals and 16 neighborhood locations, Children’s is one of the largest clinical care providers for children in the country. Children’s offers access to more than 30 pediatric specialties and is ranked among the top children’s hospitals by Parents magazine and U.S. News & World Report. With generous philanthropic and volunteer support, Children’s has made an impact in the lives of children in Georgia, the United States and throughout the world. Visit www.choa.org for more information.
For further information Contact:
Jigar B. Patel MD
Media Relations
BAPS Charities - Atlanta
205-821-3525
kmotel@yahoo.com
