Over 4,800 participated in the Dallas Partnership Walk held on October 4, 2008, at Dallas City Hall Plaza. The Walk raised over $250,000.
In a heartfelt address to the crowds, Jody Dean, radio anchor, 98.7 KLUV Morning Show said “everything around us is not really our own, if you believe that anything really belongs to you I invite you to take a very deep breath and hold it forever. You can’t do it; eventually even you have to give your own breath of life back.” Acknowledging that we are merely stewards and custodians of the resources we enjoy in this country, he continued: “While giving thanks for these amazing blessings, it is our responsibility to share them with others wherever and whenever we can. That is what the Aga Khan Foundation is about … to be generous, kind and thoughtful of our fellow human beings.”
Dignitaries toured interactive exhibits on site that showcased the Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A.’s innovative solutions for reducing poverty in Africa and Asia. Distinguished guests included Mayor of Carrolton Ronald Branson, Mayor of Decatur Joe Lambert, Plano City Council Member Pat Miner, and others. The program of entertainment celebrating the diversity of world cultures was hosted by media celebrities Bob Ray Sanders, Vice-President/Associate Editor and Metro columnist of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram; Brad Hawkins, WFAA news anchor; and Seema Mathur, reporter, KTVT.
To highlight this year’s theme, “Planting Our Future,” the Seed City exposé focused on microfinance and the innovative ways Aga Khan Foundation is alleviating hunger, disease, illiteracy and poverty. Young people from Dallas participating in Seed City attended pre-Walk workshops to learn about microfinance. On site they set up booths marketing self-made handicrafts and wares just as if they were entrepreneurs in Africa or Asia. Sprout Town introduced the youngest Walk participants (2 to 10 years old) to the concepts of hope, caring and sharing. The Chai Khanna gave participants a taste of the cultural traditions. Reflecting the theme for Partnership Walk, “Planting Our Future,” the symbolic seed planting activity engaged visitors in learning about the impact of the Foundation’s rural support programs through personal stories from Africa and Asia.
Read the press release (opens in PDF)
Ismailimail 
Shukranlillah wal Hamdulillah.It is Allah’s Mercy that through the guidance of The Imam of The Age and Time, that we can contribute to making this world a better place.
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