BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA, September 21, 2014. Today 2,000 participants walked to end global poverty in the annual Birmingham Partnership Walk at Railroad Park. The Birmingham Partnership Walk is an initiative of Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. (AKF USA) to raise awareness and funds that reduce poverty, hunger, illiteracy and poor health in Africa and Asia.

Today’s event raised over $300,000 for AKF USA programs worldwide. 100% of the funds raised at Partnership Walk go directly to projects supported by the Foundation; not a cent is spent on administration.

The charity event was a day of fun for the whole family featuring lively entertainment and activities celebrating a rich diversity of cultures. Irfan Merchant, Chairman of the Aga Khan Foundation USA’s Southeast Volunteer Team, remarked to the crowd, “You are all helping to provide hope, dignity, and opportunity to some of the world’s most disadvantaged communities. Providing hope with dignity and respect is a principle at the very core of the Aga Khan Foundation’s global activities … your presence here this morning is a testament to our shared values and with your continued support we can make a difference in the world.”

One of the most inspiring features of Partnership Walk is the Village in Action, where visitors enjoyed interactive exhibits spotlighting the Foundation’s practical solutions for alleviating poverty. For a second year, Homewood Middle School organized a wonderful exhibition to show how communities in Africa and Asia overcome challenges. They demonstrated better health systems for mothers and infants in Pakistan, the benefits of hydroelectric power in Tajikistan, and the social and economic impact of Aga Khan Development Network’s cultural projects. The Village in Action featured a new partner, the Phillips Academy, whose students put together a great exhibit on Humayun’s Tomb. Through their hard work, the students of Homewood Middle School and Phillips Academy put together one of the most engaging elements of the day’s activities.

This year marked the 20th anniversary for Partnership Walk events, which are being held in eight major U.S. cities. Since 1995, PartnershipsInAction activities including the annual Partnership Walk and Golf events have attracted over 440,000 participants and raised over $63 million for poverty alleviation projects supported by AKF USA.

Read the full press release here.