ORLANDO, FLORIDA, September 29, 2014.  Yesterday 2,200 participants walked to end global poverty in the annual Orlando Partnership Walk at Lake Eola Park. The Orlando 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.

The charity event raised more than $210,000 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 was a day of fun for the whole family. Attendees enjoyed a lively entertainment program celebrating a rich diversity of cultures.  Opening ceremony keynote speaker, Christy Kindler from Florida Hospital West Region, remarked on the vision of His Highness the Aga Khan and the mission of the Foundation of addressing global poverty by providing access to resources, services, and education so that individuals can ultimately care for themselves.

Distinguished guests included Senator Geraldine Thompson, Member of the Florida Senate, 12th district, who told the crowd, “The fact that you are here means you are willing to share and you are willing to walk for impoverished people…all over the globe.” Other dignitaries included Commissioner Samuel B. Ings of Orlando’s 6th District, Commissioner of Oakland City Joe McMillan and Rick Singh, Orange County Property Appraiser.  Yvonne Coleman from Jazzy103 Radio and Leslie “Ms. B” Brewington of STAR 94.5 Radio served as masters of ceremonies.

One of the most inspiring features of Partnership Walk was the Village in Action, where participants enjoyed interactive exhibits spotlighting the Foundation’s practical solutions for alleviating poverty globally.

This year marks the 20th anniversary for Partnership Walk events, 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. Participants help communities in Africa and Asia to create long-term, self-help solutions to lift themselves out of poverty. These contributions create opportunities for girls in Afghanistan to go to school, farmers in Mali to feed their families, and mothers in India to lead healthy lives.

Read the full press release here.