Walk to End Global Poverty at Houston PartnershipsInAction Walk

HOUSTON, TEXAS, November 12, 2011. On November 12, 10,400 walked to end global poverty in the 17th annual Partnership Walk at Sam Houston Park in downtown Houston. The Houston 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.


Houston’s 2011 Walk raised $1.25 million. 100% of the funds raised at Partnership Walk go directly to projects sponsored by the Foundation; not a cent is spent on administration.


The Walk featured lively entertainment and activities for all ages to celebrate the diversity of world cultures. The iRun for youth was held prior to the Walk. One of the most inspiring features of Partnership Walk was the Village in Action, where participants enjoyed interactive displays and hands-on exhibits that spotlighted how the Foundation is implementing creative solutions in poor regions from Afghanistan to Zanzibar.


Partnership Walk attracted high-profile guests and civic leaders including keynote speaker The Honorable Marty McVey, Board Member of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Board for International Food and Agricultural Development and President of McVey & Co. Investments LLC. “Together we have an opportunity,” McVey said, speaking of the Foundation’s work with USAID and the contributions of Partnership Walk. “We have the ability to make a difference for the ones who have the most need.” He cited the examples of USAID’s work with AKF USA in early education, rural development and disaster risk reduction.


Bobby Moon, international pop and R&B singer/songwriter was one of the event’s hosts. Distinguished guests in attendance included U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Lee Jackson (18th district), U.S. Congressman Al Green (9th district), and Larry Shine, President of the Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters. Congressman Green, a strong supporter of PartnershipsInAction, said that working together on projects in developing countries, the U.S. government and the Aga Khan Foundation “find a way to make sure education is available to people who ordinarily wouldn’t get it, educating people who would ordinarily be beyond the classroom.” He added, “You’re showing the soft power of the United States, and I thank you.”


Read the entire press release here.