LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, September 14, 2014. Today, 2,100 participants walked to end global poverty in the annual Los Angeles Partnership Walk at the Santa Monica Pier. The Los Angeles 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.

Today’s event raised over $415,000 for AKF USA programs worldwide. 100% of the funds raised at Partnership Walk go directly to projects supported by the Foundation; not a cent is spent on administration.

The event is a day of fun for the whole family with lively entertainment and activities for all ages celebrating a rich diversity of cultures. Beverly White, KNBC-4 anchor, served as a dynamic master of ceremonies, enthusiastically highlighting the Walk’s 20th anniversary and recalling how she had participated when it was held at the Rose Bowl in the past decade. Keynote speaker Congresswoman Karen Bass, representing the 37th District of California observed, “All of us grew up wanting to change the world and that’s what the Aga Khan Foundation does. I have visited most of the African countries where AKF works and I know first hand what it means to provide resources and support.”

Mayor Pam O’Connor noted “Partnership Walk is a local event where you have the opportunity to act as a global citizen, and do your part to humankind … and that starts here in Santa Monica.” Other speakers included California State Senator Ted Lieu; and Mr. Aziz Valliani, Chairman of the National Committee for Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. Other dignitaries included California State Assembly members Richard Bloom and Matt Dababneh. Participating entertainers included actors Rizvan Manji (from Outsourced), Iqbal Theba (from Glee), Noureen DeWulf (from Anger Management) and celebrity trainer Dion Jackson.

This year marked the 20th anniversary for Partnership Walk events, which are being held in eight major U.S. cities. Since 1995, PartnershipsInAction activities including the annual Partnership Walk and Golf events have attracted over 440,000 participants and raised over $63 million for poverty alleviation projects supported by AKF USA. To learn more about the event, visit http://www.partnershipsinaction.org/LA.

Read the full press release here.