Walk to End Global Poverty at Atlanta PartnershipsInAction Walk

ATLANTA, GEORGIA, October 23, 2011. On October 23, 2011, over 6,500 walked to end global poverty in the 17^th annual Partnership Walk at Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta. The Atlanta Partnership Walk is an initiative of Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. to raise awareness and funds that reduce poverty, hunger, illiteracy and poor health in Africa and Asia.

Atlanta’s 2011 Walk raised $1.2 million. 100% of the funds raised at Partnership Walk go directly to projects sponsored by the Foundation; not a cent is spent on administration.

The Walk featured lively entertainment and activities for all ages to celebrate the diversity of world cultures, ranging from The Polyphony Ensemble to Zumba Atlanta. Before the Walk, a 5K Run/Walk, 1K Kids Run and 100 Yards Kids Run took place. The Walk also included a Village in Action, where participants enjoyed interactive displays and hands-on exhibits that spotlighted how the Foundation is implementing creative solutions in poor regions, ranging from disaster preparedness in Afghanistan to energy-efficient homes in Pakistan to quality education in Kenya.  At the Village in Action visitors learned about the Aga Khan Development Network's health, shelter, infrastructure and agriculture projects in Pakistan over the past year to help communities recover from the 2010 floods that devastated one-fifth of the country.

Amanda Cook, Erin Coleman, and Craig Lucie, anchors and reporters for WSB-TV hosted the event along with Hanif Juma and Amynah Jiwani. Distinguished guests in attendance included Mayor Mike Bodker, City of John’s Creek and Representative Lynn Riley, Georgia House, District 50. Mayor Bodker welcomed and thanked participants by saying, “I have had the privilege to be involved with the Aga Khan Development Network for the past five years, and for me to see this mass of humanity come out here today is such a great feeling, especially knowing the great work that you’re doing.”

Read the entire press release here.