 |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
Home | Media and News | 2008 Highlights
2008 Highlights
Houston | Atlanta | Los Angeles | Dallas | ChicagoHouston • Sam Houston Park • Saturday, November 8, 2008
On November 8, 2008 over 6,500 participated in the Houston Partnership Walk, raising over $760,000. The 3-kilometer Walk at Sam Houston Park - Downtown brought together families, friends, students and leaders in government, business, media and the arts for a day of learning activities, fundraising and culturally diverse performances. People from corporations, universities, schools and community organizations took a step to demonstrate their support for ending global poverty.
In an address to the enthusiastic crowd, David Wallace, Chief Executive Officer for Wallace Bajjali Development Partners, LP, who serves on the Board of Directors and as Vice President of the Texas Economic Development Corporation, and was former mayor of Sugar Land said “There are so many things that I have been proud to learn of what the Aga Khan Foundation is doing by helping individuals, teaching them, not just giving them a handout. That is exactly what the Aga Khan Foundation continues to do year in and year out.” Congressman Al Green, long-time supporter of Partnership Walk, attending nearly every year since it started in Houston, stated "We each have a duty to do what we can to end poverty in the world. What better way to do it than through the Aga Khan Foundation. We can make a difference if we will give. You cannot end poverty without giving. We have raised $29 million over the years in total, we have to make it $100 million so that many more millions can be helped.” Along with other dignitaries Mr. Wallace toured the Village in Action, interactive exhibits on site that showcased the Foundation’s innovative solutions for reducing poverty in Africa and Asia. Other distinguished guest included Thomas Abraham, Sugar Land Councilmember.
An entertainment program celebrating the diversity of world cultures and featuring a multicultural mix of music, dance and performances was hosted by media celebrities Lauren Lanning, producer/reporter for “Wild About Houston” and Sharron Melton, news anchor, ABC 13.
Atlanta • Centennial Olympic Park • Sunday, October 26, 2008
On October 26, 2008 over 6,800 participated in the Atlanta Partnership Walk, raising over $900,000. The 1.2-mile Walk at Centennial Olympic Park brought together families, friends, students and leaders in government, business, media and the arts for a day of learning activities, fundraising and culturally diverse performances. Teams of people from corporations, universities, schools and community organizations took a step to demonstrate their support for ending global poverty. The largest team, The Southeast Golden Club, had 600 members registered and won the Team All Award. 36 participants raised over $1000 and received the title of Ambassador 1000.
Sonny Purdue, Governor of the State of Georgia urged fellow citizens to “light the way” and proclaimed October 26, 2008 as the Aga Khan Foundation Day. In an address to the enthusiastic crowd, Mike Leven, Chief Executive Officer of Georgia Aquarium and Vice Chairman of Marcus Foundation said “I don’t have to remind you why you are here. I don’t have to tell you to care for others. You already do. For decades, Aga Khan Foundation has been investing in people and creating model programs that are replicated all over the world. PartnershipsInAction confirms that.” Distinguished guests included David Shafer, Georgia State Senator; and Melvin Everson, Georgia State Representative. The program of entertainment celebrating the diversity of world cultures was hosted by media celebrities Suchita Vadlamani, co-host of “Good Day Atlanta” and George Franco, reporter, FOX5 News.
In the Village in Action participants had the chance to take part in a scavenger hunt at the environment exhibit while learning about the Al Azhar Park’s impact of providing a “green lung” for the people of Cairo. Visitors traveled virtually to Mozambique to see how the Foundation has helped fisherman improve productivity. Visitors to the Kenya health exhibit were tested on their ability to identify preventable diseases. They were further challenged to go through real-life sceneries at the maternal and child survival exhibit in India. Participants learned how Aga Khan Development Network has assisted people in Pakistan that were gravely affected by the earthquake in October 2005.
Los Angeles • Memorial Coliseum • Sunday, October 12, 2008
On October 12, 2008 over 2,000 participated in the Los Angeles Partnership Walk, raising over $250,000. The 3-kilometer Walk at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum brought together families, friends, students and leaders in government, business, media, and the arts for a day of learning activities, fundraising and culturally diverse performances. Thirty-three teams from corporations, universities, schools and community organizations took a step to demonstrate their support for ending global poverty.
At the opening ceremony, U.S. Congressman Brad Sherman said, “By being here at the Partnership Walk, you are expressing your conviction that positive change is possible through grassroots participation. The Aga Khan Foundation has modeled programs that are really showing that a lot can be done, not only by the Aga Khan Foundation, but by other organizations that follow its lead in education, health care, rural development, microfinance and the environment.” He presented to the Foundation, a United States Flag that flew in Washington DC, during the July 4th, 2008 celebrations. Other distinguished guests included L.A. City Council members Bernard Parks and Dennis P. Zine; J.R. Reviczky, Mayor of Hermosa Beach; J. Curtis Park, President of the World Affairs Council; Captain Calvin Beard of the California Highway Patrol; and Samia Rashid, President, Ismaili Council for Western USA among others. Council member Bernard Parks of L.A.’s 8th District, in a welcome address, expressed his support for continuing to hold Partnership Walk in downtown L.A. at the Memorial Coliseum for many years to come. He highlighted that “every cent raised goes towards helping people and we know that the money is not going anywhere else …. The Foundation does not give a handout but a hand up.”
Consul Generals from Bangladesh, Belize, Kenya and Pakistan also graced the event along with the Consul from Azerbaijan, who noted that “The Walk is a true inspiration as it demonstrates how harmony and cooperation within one community can and should be duplicated in other communities in the fight against poverty and the struggle to improve quality of life.” In a message from the First Lady of California, Maria Shriver, the First Lady applauded “the Foundation’s active stance on raising awareness on poverty and working together to create long-term solutions to ending this problem.”
One of the Walk’s most inspiring features was the Village in Action, where participants of all ages had an opportunity to engage in interactive activities and learn how people in developing countries create innovative solutions to overcome the challenges of low income, poor health conditions and limited educational opportunities. Through displays, exhibits and hands-on demonstrations, the Village in Action showcased the positive results that are achieved through the Aga Khan Foundation’s development programs. Participants traveled virtually to learn about issues in microfinance, solutions to health care in India, environmental projects in Mali, water projects in Afghanistan and India, and educational programs in Tajikistan and East Africa. Through this process, youth, in particular, gained a deeper understanding of global citizenship and social responsibility.
Dallas • Dallas City Hall Plaza • Saturday, October 4, 2008
On October 4, 2008 over 4,800 participated in the Dallas Partnership Walk, raising over $340,000. The 3-kilometer Walk at Dallas City Hall Plaza brought together families, friends, students and leaders in government, business, media and the arts for a day of learning activities, fundraising and culturally diverse performances. People from corporations, universities, schools and community organizations took a step to demonstrate their support for ending global poverty.
In a heartfelt address to the crowds, Jody Dean, radio anchor, 98.7 KLUV Morning Show said, “Everything around us is not really our own. If you believe that anything really belongs to you I invite you to take a very deep breath and hold it forever. You can’t do it; eventually even you have to give your own breath of life back.” Acknowledging that we are merely stewards and custodians of the resources we enjoy in this country, he continued: “While giving thanks for these amazing blessings, it is our responsibility to share them with others wherever and whenever we can. That is what the Aga Khan Foundation is about … to be generous, kind and thoughtful of our fellow human beings.” Distinguished guests included Mayor of Carrolton Ronald Branson, Plano City Council Member Pat Miner, among others. The program of entertainment celebrating the diversity of world cultures was hosted by media celebrities Bob Ray Sanders, Vice-President/Associate Editor and Metro columnist of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram; Brad Hawkins, WFAA news anchor; and Seema Mathur, reporter, KTVT.
To highlight this year’s theme, “Planting Our Future,” Seed City focused on microfinance and the innovative ways Aga Khan Foundation is alleviating hunger, disease, illiteracy and poverty. Approximately 150 youth from Dallas participated in Seed City. The young people formed teams and attended pre-Walk workshops to learn a specific craft and produce approximately 100 pieces of each handicraft item to sell on Walk Day. The proceeds from all sales were donated to Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. On site they set up booths marketing self-made handicrafts and wares, such as blankets, pottery, jewelry, scarves, pillows, purses and dolls, just as if they were entrepreneurs in Africa or Asia. The young people, while selling their wares, entertained and educated their customers with real stories about how microfinance improved the lives of individuals and their families in Africa and Asia. Teams circulated throughout the Walk site promoting their products and encouraging visitors to stop by their booth. The volunteers, through the process of learning, creating, promoting and selling their wares at the Seed City, learned the importance and significance of microfinance in Asia and Africa.
Sprout Town introduced the youngest Walk participants (2 to 10 years old) to the concepts of hope, caring and sharing through a pre-Walk seed planting activity that required the young walk participants to bring their plants to the Walk along with a message of hope. On site, the seedlings, in pots decorated by the children, were displayed on the steps located in front of the stage. Reflecting the theme for Partnership Walk, “Planting Our Future,” the symbolic seed planting activities, Seed City and Sprout Town, engaged visitors in learning about the impact of the Foundation’s rural support programs through personal stories from Africa and Asia.
A stage program throughout the day featured a multicultural mix of music, dance and performances. The performances included India Garba Dance, Irish Step Dance, Afghani Ensemble, Modern Indian Dance, African Dance and the Drummers: African and Asian duet. At the Walk, the Chai Khanna (Tea House) gave participants a taste of the cultural traditions.
Chicago • Millennium Park • Sunday, August 24, 2008
Over 6,000 participated today in the Chicago Partnership Walk, raising over $250,000. The 3-kilometer Walk at Millennium Park brought together families, friends, students and leaders in
government, business, media and the arts for a day of learning activities, fundraising and culturally diverse
performances. Twenty-four teams from corporations, universities, schools and community organizations took a
step to demonstrate their support for ending global poverty.
Addressing the crowds at the opening ceremony, Illinois Governor Rod R. Blagojevich remarked, “You are actually doing more than just talking about addressing poverty, you are actually doing something about alleviating poverty…and I’m looking forward to joining you in not just doing the talk about poverty, but both literally and figuratively doing the Walk.” The governor toured interactive exhibits on site that showcased the Aga Khan Foundation’s innovative solutions for reducing poverty in Africa and Asia. Following the Walk, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, a long-time supporter of Partnership Walk, stated, “if there are individuals out there who need some assistance, it is through the support of Aga Khan Foundation and this Partnership Walk that we speak to fellow men and women to realize their dreams and improve their quality of life.” Other distinguished guests included Illinois State Representative Elaine Nekritz, Cook County Commissioner Tony Peraica, Mayor of Skokie George Van Dusen, President of the Village of Morton Grove Richard Krier, among others. A program of entertainment celebrating the diversity of world cultures was hosted by media celebrities Karen M. Jordan, anchor/reporter, ABC 7 Chicago; Micah Materre, anchor/reporter, WGN News at Noon; and Rehan Aslam, FOX News Chicago producer.
One of the Walk’s most inspiring features was the Village in Action, through which participants of all ages engaged in interactive activities to learn how people in developing countries overcome the challenges of low incomes, poor health conditions and limited educational opportunities. All around the Walk site, participants took part in exercises and exhibits as if they were traveling to Afghanistan, East Africa, India, Pakistan and Central Asia to see how the Foundation is creating hope and opportunity in poor and often remote regions. Wandering through exhibits, participants got a taste of the cultural traditions and the innovative ways Aga Khan Foundation is alleviating hunger, disease, illiteracy and poverty.
A stage program throughout the day featured a multicultural mix of music, dance and performances. The Jesse White Tumbling Team gave an electrifying performance, as they have each year since Partnership Walk began in Chicago in 2003. Other performances included Hip Hop Connxion, dancers from Xilin Art Center, Irish dancers from Rebecca McCarthy School of Dance, drummers from Malaysia and dancers from the Thai Cultural and Fine Arts Institute of Chicago.
An initiative of AKF USA and its volunteers in communities across America
©2008 Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. | Privacy Policy | Search
A tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code.