50,000 Join BAPS Charities Walk-Run Across 100+ Cities
India-West News Desk
NEW JERSEY- More than 50,000 people took part in the 2026 BAPS Charities Spirit of Service Walk-Run across more than 100 cities in North America this spring as part of the America250 initiative marking the United States’ upcoming 250th anniversary.
Organized by BAPS Charities, the events supported more than 90 organizations across the United States and Canada, including first responders, food banks, cancer research programs, educational initiatives, and community service groups.
Families, volunteers, community leaders, first responders, and elected officials participated in walk-runs held in parks, town squares, and community centers across the continent.
One of the largest gatherings took place in Greater Houston, where more than 2,200 participants assembled at Sugar Land Town Square to support local mental health, education, and law enforcement initiatives. U.S. Congressman Christian Menefee and Sugar Land Mayor Carol McCutcheon joined the event.
Speaking at the gathering, Menefee said, “Sometimes we need to focus on our neighbors, our brothers, our sisters, and our community — and that’s what this is all about.”
At the Dallas event, Texas State Representative Matt Shaheen highlighted the importance of service and community involvement.
“We have gotten united here for a purpose. There is just joy that we experience together in serving others, and that is what BAPS Charities is all about,” Shaheen said.
The initiative also drew support from public officials in several other states. In Edison, New Jersey, U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone joined State Senator Patrick Diegnan, Assemblymen Robert Karabinchak and Joe Danielson, and local mayors. In Pennsylvania, U.S. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick participated alongside state lawmakers and Bucks County District Attorney Joe Khan.
Events in Connecticut were supported by State Senator Matt Lesser, State Representatives Jillian Gilchrest and Tom Delnicki, and Rocky Hill Mayor Allen Smith. Similar participation was seen in Michigan and Mississippi, where state and local leaders joined community members in the walk-runs.
Under BAPS Charities’ local funding model, volunteer committees select beneficiaries in their own communities. This year’s efforts benefited organizations including the American Cancer Society, the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center, Family Promise of the Coastal Empire, and the Rocky Hill Fire Department. Representatives said the support would aid cancer research, patient services, assistance for homeless families, and volunteer firefighter recruitment efforts.
