BY VEENA RAO

The tradition continues in Atlanta and the volunteer spirit peaks once again!! Vibha, one of the prominent non-profit organizations in the Indian community in Atlanta, in collaboration with the India Club of Georgia Tech, is all set to organize its flagship annual event – the Vibha 5K Run/Walk. To be held on the Saturday Sept 25th, the Sixth Annual Vibha 5K will bring together the Indian community and the mainstream American community on to one path, one bridge and one goal – to make a difference in the lives of underprivileged children.

Vibha 5K Run/Walk followed by the Carnival will be a fun-filled event for the entire family, with live music, food and competitions for children of all ages.

This year’s special attraction is going to be the route itself! It is changed to include the new “yellow bridge” on the 17th street across I85, providing a more picturesque setting of the skyline of the downtown Atlanta. This event has become a mainstream event not only in the Indian community but also in Atlanta’s walk/run community. 

A significant feature of this year’s event will be the participation of several Indian community organizations. The Telugu Association (TAMA), The Georgia Tamil Sangham (GTS) and the Pujari (Bengali) Associations have already come forward to be the co-sponsors for the event. Several other organizations will be joining this effort, to make it a joint effort by the entire community to help the children of India - the country and the culture that binds all these organizations together. This event is also a great opportunity for new volunteers to join Vibha and its group of young, enthusiastic volunteers, who are known in the community to organize Fun-filled fundraisers.

The overwhelming generosity and participation of the Atlanta community has helped this annual event to evolve from its inception in 1998 in Atlanta, into a national flagship fundraiser and awareness generation vehicle for Vibha and its cause of helping underprivileged children in India. This year, the national Vibha Run/Walk event is simultaneously organized in Atlanta, Dallas, Austin, Minneapolis and San Francisco Bay area. This event is expected to raise nearly $100,000 and involve over 3000 people consisting of participants, volunteers and spectators in all these five cities. 

The proceeds will benefit one year of budget for the following projects in India. 
1. Sharada Kalyan Bhandar , Midnapore, West Bengal. 2. Alamb, Delhi. 3. Rajasthan Mahila Kalyan Mandal , Ajmer District, Rajasthan. 4. Aasman, Delhi, 5. Baikuntpur Tarun Sangha , Sunderban, West Bengal. 6. Rachana, Pune dist., Maharashtra. A part of the proceeds will be given to Atlanta Day Shelter for Women and Children. 

The 5K Walk/Run, to be kicked off at 8.30AM, near the students center in Georgia Tech, will be the marquee event for serious as well as casual sports enthusiasts. Event-day Registration and sign-in starts at 7.00 AM. Awards will be presented in every age category in the 5K Run/Walk. A Certificate of appreciation will be given to every child participating in the event. A free carnival with lots of games, bungee run, clown, face painting, mehandi(henna), balloon art, kite-making will make it an enjoyable affair for the entire family - especially for small kids and youth.
Participation in the form of sponsorships, walking groups, publicity, prizes, pledges, monetary and in-kind donations is requested from individuals, organizations and corporations. All donations to Vibha are tax-exempt. 

Vibha is a non-profit, non-political, non-religious organization that works towards uplifting the lives of underprivileged children by forming a bridge between them and the people who have the inclination and resources to help, i.e. YOU. With your generous support for the past 13 years, Vibha was able to reach more than 100,000 children by supporting 130 grassroots projects in India and 10 projects in USA. 

Come let us join hands and help children around the world and give them a future that is as bright as sunshine. Let us cross the 17th street Bridge - Atlanta’s new face of progress and a landmark that will connect communities in USA and India.

For more information about the event including registration, pledge donations and how you can help, please visit our event website at: atlanta.vibha.org/vibhawalk

Additional contact information: Email: vibha5k@yahoo.com  
Ph: 678.523.8247, 678-464-8967