For a group of local Hindu residents, the rain last Sunday could not deter their goal of community action.
BAPS is an international social and spiritual Hindu organization of the Swami Narayan group that has centers throughout the world.
North Bergen’s center, or temple, located at 2000 Tonnelle Avenue, held its fifth annual BAPS Charities Walk on Sunday, Sept. 27. The walkathon was the culmination of seven months of preparation and fundraising.
“All of this spreads the word for doing the right thing for the world and for cancer.” – Michelle Illuzi
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About 300 participants walked from North Bergen Town Hall at 4233 Kennedy Blvd. to Walgreens, located on 6014 Kennedy Blvd., and back.
Each year a beneficiary is chosen to receive part of the proceeds. The American Cancer Society received $3,000 through BAPS last week.
In years past, BAPS has donated to the Special Young People of North Bergen, along with other non-for-profit organizations.
For Gina Patel, an eighth grade student, she first got involved because the organization seemed “fun.” She has been involved with all of the walkathons to date.
“It helps people, so you feel like you’re doing something for somebody,” said Gina.
According to Himanshu Brahmbhatt, BAPS Charities Spokesman of Edison Township, 35 centers around the United States held fundraising walks around the same time as North Bergen’s event. He said BAPS was a global organization, with the goal for communities to serve other individuals within the community.
“We are indebted to these participants who despite the horrid weather conditions, stood out in the rain with great spirits,” said Brahmbhatt. “Everyone from children, youth, adults, seniors, and mothers with strollers showed tremendous enthusiasm and walked two miles in such unpleasant circumstances.”
Connecting a community
Payal Patel said that she has been involved with BAPS in North Bergen for seven years since immigrating to the United States from India.
She said that joining the organization made her feel that she was continuing the same values she grew up with. In the past she said that she has fundraised for tsunami victims and the poor with BAPS.
Henal Patel said that part of the reason the walkathon exists is to increase one’s sense of community. She said it wasn’t just an international or national organization, since working together to accomplish “the little things” is what it’s all about.
“I think it’s important first and foremost as a community, we have to give back,” said Reshma Patel, who spent months organizing the event. “It is giving something back in a society and this is a way for us to contribute our best and then by doing this and by the cohesiveness of the people who are here together, they can also be inspired to live a better life.”
Brahmbhatt said that according to the mandate put out by Obama, creating a better society has to start with the individual people of a community, which can spur larger transformations.
Making a difference
Michelle Illuzi, director of Distinguished Events of the Metro Jersey Region for the American Cancer Society, attended the walkathon and accepted the check. She said that both BAPS and her organization were sincere in “spreading public awareness, which fundraising is all about.”
“I love it,” said Illuzi. “I love the mission. I love their spirit. It was a great day and it’s great to see people involved. All of this spreads the word for doing the right thing for the world and for cancer.”
Tricia Tirella may be reached at TriciaT@hudsonreporter.com.