October 14, 2011
Community/California
India Post 17
www.indiapost.com
BAPS Walkathon for 'Building Better Community'
India Post News Service
LOS ANGELES: Over 550 community volunteers participated in the BAPS Charities' 14th annual walkathon held on Saturday, September 17. In keeping with its theme, "Building a Better Community, One Step at a Time", the proceeds from this year's walk will go to local organizations, including the Chino Hills High School and the Wounded Heroes Foundation. With each step, participants of all ages joined hands and raised funds to build awareness for the students of five academies at Chino Hills High School. These academies strive for academic excellence in an environment that fosters real-world applications at the high school level. Participants also raised funds for the injured men and women of the Armed Forces donating to the Wounded Heroes Foundation. Through charitable contributions, the Wounded Heroes Foundation provides care packages, financial and other assistance to those
who are injured during service. The organization prides itself in assisting in any way possible, such as helping with late mortgage payments, purchasing a handicap accessible van, building or remodeling ones home, securing a new mortgage at a lower interest rate, assembling and delivering care packages and even providing a recreational trip to enhance a veteran's recovery. Funds were also raised for the local heroes of the Chino Valley Independent Fire District and the Chino Hills - San Bernardino Sheriff's Department. They serve to protect the local community on a day-to-day basis. "Walking for such a noble cause is a great honor," said Nilkanth Patel, 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," said Pranav Patel, a volunteer for the walkathon. "This has been a walk that will
Chino Hills Mayor Ed Graham attended the walk and appreciated the efforts of BAPS Charities, saying "I want to thank BAPS for all the outreach that is vital to the community. This was a great job at reaching out to our commu-
"As friends and family came out to volunteer, there is no better way to foster unity within one's community," said Pranav Patel, a volunteer for the walkathon be long lasting - benefiting local students, local heroes and veterans. The 5K walkathon, held at Chino Hills High School inspired people to go the extra mile to make a difference in someone's life.
nity." Also in attendance were Chino Hills Vice Mayor, Art Bennett and City Councilman Peter Rogers. Vice Mayor Bennett presented a proclamation from the city for the walkathon for its outstanding ser-
vice to the local community. Councilman Rogers remarked, "This is what BAPS Charities is about - bringing the community together. I want to thank BAPS Charities." Zaydev Zala, a representative from California State Assemblyman Curt Hagman's Office also presented BAPS Charities with a proclamation. Chief Kirk Summers of the Chino Valley Independent Fire District and Board member Brandon Blanchard of the Chino Unified School District were present to accept the donations. 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.
Nirankari Baba delivers message of 'Humanity in Harmony' SANJEEV SAGAR
TRACY, CA: "Humanity in Harmony" was the message delivered by Nirankari Baba Hardev Singh Ji at a huge congregation held in Tracy, California on Sunday, September 11 to promote divinity, peace and harmony. More than 1000 people from diverse backgrounds, religions and regions with heart full of devotion attended this spiritual event. Prior to Baba Ji's speech, many saints and people from different community and other organizations including Mr. Michael
Marcel, mayor of Tracy City, members of interfaith organization and native delegates welcomed Baba Hardev Singh and shared their spiritual thoughts on humanity and divine love via hymns, songs, poetry and speeches. His Holiness was awarded "Distinction of World Peace" by Mayor of Tracy City and "Ambassador of Peace" by Interfaith organization members. Publication booth was also set up by sewadal members at the main samagam hall entrance door. Hundreds of saints visited the booth
and purchased the literature. Many inquisitive guests came and discussed about the Mission and its principles in detail. Despite of all the different thoughts the spirit was one and the same 'Humanity in Harmony'. In no time the whole atmosphere turned into a beautiful harmonious place as if an expert maestro is guiding the entire different suite of musical instruments to resonate together and produce a beautiful intoxicating note. Cont’d on page 21