BAPS Charities walkathon raises funds for local families

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) -More than 300 walkers and runners gathered in Forsyth Park on Sunday for the ninth annual BAPS Charities walkathon, raising money for local organizations that support families in crisis.

The event benefited Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire and Family Promise of the Coastal Empire.

Katrina Bostick, CEO of Family Promise of the Coastal Empire, said this is the organization’s first year being honored by the walkathon.

“For us, it’s about community support and making sure that the homeless families and children that we serve across the Coastal Empire area have the support and the resources that they need to move from crisis to stability,” Bostick said.

Billy Sorochak, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire, said the support is critical.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s a Sunday, Christmas Day, or whatever the next big thing is. Our families are 176 steps from their loved ones in the most critical time, and we get to do that because of BAPS Charities, because of that next person, because of the donation, and we’re just very humbled and grateful to be a part of today,” Sorochak said.

Neil Sharma, outreach volunteer for BAPS Charities, said the walkathon happens annually across the United States. More than 100 cities held walks this weekend. Sharma said the event has grown since 2018.

“Every year this community is growing bigger and bigger. Even our sponsor is growing. You know, in 2018, we had a few handful of sponsors. But now everybody understands this walkathon is important. And people have come up and started donating.” Sharma said.

Money is raised through sponsors and individual fundraising,

Proceeds are split between BAPS Charities’ national activities and the local beneficiaries.

BAPS Charities focuses on five areas including community selfless service and unity.