Teens Take Action: Walkathon Raises Awareness and Funds for Impoverished Children
With umbrellas and raincoats ready, over 100 participants braved the rain to join the third annual Hand In Hand USA walkathon. Held on Saturday, August 23rd, at the picturesque Chattahoochee Point Park in Suwanee, the event began with a drizzle that soon gave way to a pleasant, purposeful morning. The walkathon was a powerful reflection of Hand In Hand USA's mission to foster community service among youth and adults.
A Youth-Oriented Event
Local teens played a central role in the day's success, with youth volunteers handling everything from setting up the venue at dawn to energizing the crowd with moving speeches. Volunteers included Troop 205 Boy Scouts, Bharatakala Dance students, and high schoolers from nearby counties. Their efforts were supported by a diverse crowd of family, friends, and neighbors. The event was made possible with the generous sponsorship of several local donors including Third Eye Dancers, Ohm Healing, and Reddy CPA.
Every Step for a Brighter Future
The walkathon raised over $15,000 for Hand In Hand USA’s main project, the Hariharananda Balashram, a residential school in India for impoverished children. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Balashram provides a home and education for about 600 children from disadvantaged circumstances. This year, the school made headlines when one of its students, Satyakam, earned admission to the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)—a top university with an acceptance rate tougher than Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His success serves as a powerful reminder that talent knows no boundaries and that dreams are not limited by circumstances.
Event Highlights Event highlights included live music and speeches from young participants. Netra, a student from the Third Eye Dancer group, announced her group's donation of $1,500 and their pledge to raise an additional $500 through upcoming bake sales. Her speech echoed the event’s mission: "Every stride you took and every dollar you raised will directly help provide a hand up to those who need it most." Other high school students also delivered moving speeches, underscoring the potential for Atlanta’s youth to contribute towards the mission of Hand In Hand USA. Another student said “When we come together and support HIH USA’s mission, we are not just helping a child attend a school, we are empowering the entire generation. When we see Satyakam’s example, we get inspired that that talent knows no boundaries. We see that dreams are not limited by circumstances, and that hope can travel from this walk in Atlanta to classrooms in Odisha and beyond.” Aarman a high school student from Gwinnett county talked about Saras Pradhan who came to Balashram when he was just six years old. Over the next 12 years he received education and learned important life skills that shaped his character. He is now an Assistant Post Master and aspires to become a high-ranking Government Officer.
The walk demonstrated how a community, when united by a shared purpose, can achieve a significant impact. What began under gray, rainy skies ended in a hopeful and bright morning, proving that small steps can pave the way for brighter futures.
For more information on Hand In Hand USA, please visit our website at: https://handinhandusa.org/
To view photos from this walkathon, please visit this link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/2zMWwvTwW5iZoZzf9
-Vamsi Yella
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