HOUSTON, TEXAS, November 15, 2014 – Despite the challenging weather, over 4,000 participants raced to end global poverty in the annual Houston Partnership Walk at Sam Houston Park. The Houston Partnership Walk|Run 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.

The charity event raised more than $1.6 million 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 Partnership Walk is not just a walk,” said Houston Mayor Annise Parker at the Walk’s opening speech. “It is a day of celebration and action to raise awareness about international development, and a chance for concerned individuals to join together and raise resources that contribute to community-based programs oversees – providing people with the tools and opportunities to build skills which will enable families in poverty to lead self-sufficient and healthy lives.”

Mayor Parker, joined by First Lady Kathy Hubbard, served as the Honorary Chair for this year’s Partnership Walk | Run. The Walk was one of the largest public events for the Citizenship Month, which is observed each year in November to celebrate Houston’s diversity. Dr. William Flores chaired the Honorary Host Committee for the 2014 Walk, which included civic, community and corporate leaders.

The event was a day of fun for the whole family with activities for all ages celebrating a rich diversity of cultures. Clutch, the Houston Rockets Bear, warmed up the crowd at the starting line before they took off. One of the most inspiring features of Partnership Walk was the Village in Action, where participants enjoyed interactive exhibits spotlighting the Foundation’s practical solutions for alleviating poverty from Afghanistan to Zanzibar.

Read the full press release here.