Community Comes Together: Over 45,000 Join BAPS Charities Walks Across the U.S.

Community Spirit at its Best: BAPS Charities Walk 2025

This past weekend, communities across the United States witnessed a remarkable event as over 45,000 individuals participated in the annual BAPS Charities Walk-Run, held simultaneously in 100 cities. The event transformed local streets into bustling corridors of hope and collective action, with participants walking and running to support pivotal causes that directly impact their neighborhoods.

The BAPS Charities Walk-Run breaks new ground every year with its inclusive and community-centric approach. Each participating city selected local organizations to support, ensuring that the funds raised would have a direct benefit for the people who reside there. This year, more than 50 different local charities, including those focused on veteran support, services for the elderly, homelessness alleviation, and women's welfare received contributions. Notably, health-centered nonprofits gained significantly, including those targeting mental health issues and cancer care.

From energetic teens, like 16-year-old Aarav Dubal in Robbinsville, New Jersey, to seniors utilizing canes in bustling Los Angeles, the event was filled with a contagious spirit of camaraderie and service. The theme for this year’s event, "Spirit of Service," resonated with participants nationwide, manifesting in stories of heartfelt commitment. For instance, in Houston, Texas, walkers raised funds supporting NAMI Greater Houston, which provides essential mental health services in response to growing demands. Similarly, participants in San Jose, California, rallied to gather resources for local schools, while in Orlando, Florida, funds collected went towards a children’s cancer camp. The Dallas community mobilized to uplift local veterans, showing that collective effort can indeed make a difference.

Angela Hudson, the CEO of NAMI Greater Houston, remarked on the impact of the event, acknowledging the effort to diminish the stigma surrounding mental health—one step at a time. "Wonderful charities like BAPS Charities are helping to fight the stigma around mental health, and we appreciate you for that," she stated. In talking about the diverse causes supported, Bhargav Ashier, a participant from Edison, NJ, expressed sentiments that echoed through the weekend: "It's one thing to care, but it's another to show up. This weekend, America showed up in force, proving that compassion is a powerful force for change."

The unique structure of the BAPS Charities Walk-Run allows each city to custom tailor its impact, reflecting specific community needs. Sugar Land, Texas's Mayor Joe Zimmerman praised participants, stating, "Your community makes a real difference in Sugar Land. What you do matters." This grassroots model has been nurtured by BAPS Charities for over two decades, empowering citizens everywhere to step up and become changemakers. Over the years, more than 1,100 Walk-Runs have been organized, solidifying a vast network of civic engagement.

Nilkanth Patel, President of BAPS Charities, summarized the event's significance eloquently. He explained, "From New York to Houston, and San Jose to Detroit, our interconnected community ensures our work touches lives in cities all across the country." Proving that a united effort can yield substantial results, this weekend portrayed a unified front, showing communities step by step toward positive transformations in the lives of their inhabitants.

About BAPS Charities

BAPS Charities is a globally recognized organization operating across five continents with over 50 years of experience in humanitarian work. Its mission revolves around instilling a culture of selfless service through health awareness, educational contributions, humanitarian aid, environmental conservation, and empowerment within communities. BAPS Charities has consistently mobilized volunteers and resources to aid affected communities rapidly, demonstrating their commitment to service through both local initiatives and global outreach, from health fairs to supporting schools and hospitals. To learn more about BAPS Charities and its local and international efforts, visit www.bapscharities.org.