Walk to End Global Poverty at Chicago PartnershipsInAction Walk

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, September 19, 2011. On September 18, 2011, over 2,400 walked to end global poverty in the 17th annual Partnership Walk at Millennium Park in downtown Chicago. The Chicago Partnership Walk is an initiative of Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A (AKF USA) to raise awareness and funds that reduce poverty, hunger, illiteracy and poor health in Africa and Asia.


Chicago’s 2011 Walk raised over $400,000. 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 had lively entertainment and activities for all ages celebrating the diversity of world cultures. It also attracted many high-profile guests, civic leaders and local media personalities. Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White attended with the Jesse White Tumbling Team that wowed the crowd with their breath-taking performance. Award-winning blues singer / songwriter Sidi Touré from Mali performed during the morning program. Other cultural performances at the Chicago Walk included Indonesian, Indian Classical, Spanish Flamenco and hip hop dance. The entertainment program was emceed by Bill Moller, host of WGN Radio; Rehan Aslam, Executive Producer of FOX’s “Good Day Chicago;" and Julian, DJ on B96 Radio, who also broadcasted live on site.


Participants also enjoyed interactive exhibits spotlighting the Foundation’s practical solutions for alleviating poverty from Afghanistan to Zanzibar.  Charles Sheerin, Director of Communications and Resource Development at AKF USA, thanked Walk participants for their dedication to help end global poverty, “Because of your collective actions today, you all continue a great tradition of coming together to make a better life for everyone, but especially the most marginalized among us.”


Read the entire press release here.