NEW YORK CITY (TIP): In keeping with its theme, “Building a Better Community, One Step at a Time,” the BAPS Charities 15th annual walkathon was held on Sunday, May 18, 2014 in New York City, NY. Over 475 members of the community participated in this year’s walkathon. Coming together to walk for a singular purpose, participants of all ages joined hands and raised funds to support this year’s local beneficiary, Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC. “Walking for such an exemplary organization and cause is a great honor,” said Hasmukh Patel, BAPS Volunteer.

“Being able to organize and bring to fruition this kind of event is always an exciting opportunity for BAPS Charities. Walkathons unite members of the community, no matter the age, to serve other causes. The enthusiasm behind this event is really the driving force to ensuring the success of the today’s event” “Not only is it amazing how everyone can come together to support one cause, it is also great to walk with others who believe in building a better community,” said Parth Adhia, Walkathon Project Lead of BAPS Charities, NYC.

“Benefiting an organization that helps and mentors our children is a great way to bring the community together, and getting a chance to walk with a big group of people who feel the same way is a fun way to get some exercise!” Big Brothers Big Sisters is a national organization with local roots that aims to provide mentoring and guidance to children. “We appreciate BAPS Charities for choosing us as the beneficiary of the walk and it means so much to us,” said Schroder from Big Brothers Big Sisters NYC.

“We are proud to be part of giving back to our community and supporting such an excellent organization that helps our most precious group in our communities, namely children. Taking part in the Walk also lets our community in Flushing know of our activity and involvement in supporting noble causes and walking with like minded people” said Dr Nilesh Patel of Long Island. In attendance at this year’s BAPS Charities Walkathon were US Congresswoman Grace Meng and NYS Assemblyman David Weprin whose presence galvanized the Walk participants.

“I am very happy to join you in this very meaningful and wonderful walk with BAPS for the many years of community service to the good borough of Queens” stated Congresswoman Meng. With many 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

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 Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC
The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City is to provide mentors to all children who need caring adult role models– friends who can help expand their horizons, realize their potential and enrich their futures– changing their lives. We seek to train community organizations in every neighborhood, empowering them to establish their own mentoring programs.