Thousands walk in support of ending global poverty

An estimated $657,000 was raised through the event. Partnership Walk is an initiative of Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. (AKF USA) and is organized by its network of volunteers in communities across the United States. The Partnership Walk has been held since 1995 to raise public awareness and funds that help communities in some of the poorest areas of Africa and Asia create long-term solutions to poverty.

Partnership Walk is a national event also taking place in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles. While five Walks were originally scheduled to be held simultaneously on September 25, because of Hurricane Rita, the Walks in Dallas and Houston were rescheduled. About 26,000 participated in the Partnership Walk 2005 raising over $4 million. One hundred percent of the funds raised at the Partnership Walk go directly to the projects supported by the Foundation. The cost of organizing the Walk is completely underwritten by AKF USA and in-kind contributors. No funds are used for administrative costs.

High-profile dignitaries participated in the opening ceremonies. In the keynote address, U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions acknowledged that, "We have an opportunity as Americans to have so many things that are wonderful and to celebrate them in this country, but it is up to us to make sure that we are constantly reaping out not only medicine, food, money, and education, but caring for other people." He also stressed the importance of getting involved in the struggle to better the lives of people, especially children, around the world.

In her remarks to the enthusiastic crowd, Becky Miller, Mayor of Carrollton, commented that, "There is no better occasion for the people of our great state to rally in support of ending global poverty than today, the 10th Anniversary of the Partnership Walk."

Council Member Sally Magnuson of Plano presented a proclamation declaring November 6, 2005 as Partnership Walk Day. Also in attendance was Beth Van Duyne, Deputy Mayor of Irving. Dr. Rashida Khakoo, Chairman of Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A.'s National Committee also addressed the crowd, thanking those who attended the event on behalf of all who will benefit from their generous contributions.

Serving as masters of ceremonies were Maria Arita of KTVT-TV-CBS11 and Bob Ray Sanders, Vice President & Associate Editor, Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Following the Walk and a picnic lunch, there was a program of entertainment celebrating world cultures.

At the Village in Action, participants of all ages had an opportunity to engage in interactive activities and learn how people in developing countries create solutions to overcome the challenges of low income, poor health and limited educational opportunities. Through hands-on displays, the Village in Action showcased the positive results that are achieved through the Foundation's community-based, self-help development programs in Africa and Asia. Volunteers from the Dallas metropolitan area researched, planned, designed and created the exhibits. Through this process, they gained an understanding of global citizenship.

The theme for Partnership Walk 2005 is "Investing in People." In recognition of 2005 as the United Nations International Year of Microcredit, the Walk highlights the vast potential that microcredit has for reducing poverty and vulnerability and empowering women. A message of support to AKF USA from UN Secretary General Kofi Annan was read, stating "It is especially encouraging that you have dedicated this year's walk to the cause of microcredit ... Let us use this International Year of Microcredit to put millions of families on the path to prosperity. Thank you again for taking to the streets, year in and year out, in support of efforts to build a better, safer, more equitable world."

The Foundation invests in people to help impoverished communities and families seize the opportunity to move toward greater choice and voice in order to improve their lives. By promoting quality education, improving health care and placing tools for economic empowerment into the hands of people, the Foundation helps them build the skills necessary to lead self-sufficient, healthy and dignified lives. The Foundation works in partnership with other institutions dedicated to international development such as the U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. State Department, the World Bank as well as private foundations and corporations.

With experience in development work in some of the most challenging parts of the world, Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. fully appreciates how essential immediate help is to those affected by natural disasters such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. In the midst of the tragedy inflicted by the hurricanes at home as well as by the devastating earthquake in South Asia, the Aga Khan Development Network is engaged in relief and reconstruction efforts through its affiliate, Focus Humanitarian Assistance, the Network's international emergency response agency. The outpouring of generous assistance from so many Americans and citizens around the globe is a testament to the human spirit that connects us together to build a better world for all.

AKF USA, established in 1981, is a private, non-denominational, non-profit international development organization committed to alleviating poverty, hunger, disease and illiteracy. AKF USA is part of the Aga Khan Development Network, a network of private, non-denominational, development agencies around the world, established by His Highness the Aga Khan to empower communities and individuals, often in disadvantaged circumstances, improve living conditions and opportunities. The overarching goal of the Network's programs is to help poor communities achieve a level of self-reliance whereby they are able to plan their own futures. The Foundation presently supports 140 programs in 16 countries for the common good of all citizens regardless of their gender, origin or religion. The geographic focus of the Foundation's development programs is in East Africa and South and Central Asia. Aga Khan Foundation was established in Geneva Switzerland in 1967 by its Chairman, His Highness the Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims, who have a long tradition of philanthropy, volunteerism, self-help, education and social welfare.