A wave of enthusiasm and commitment swept through Jackson, MS on June 8, 2025, as BAPS Charities hosted its annual “Spirit of Service: Walk-Run.” With 350 participants stepping forward to support American Cancer Society, the event underscored the power of unity in making a lasting impact.
Spanning over 100 cities across North America, the BAPS Charities Walk-Run embodies a mission that goes beyond fitness. It champions causes including education, health, environmental stewardship, humanitarian relief, and support for local first responders. This year’s BAPS Charities Walk-Run in Jackson, MS reinforced the organization’s ongoing commitment to serving communities both locally and globally.
The event was not just about taking strides for a cause—it was about building a stronger, more compassionate society. Participants of all ages, from youth to seniors, came together to show their support for American Cancer Society and its mission to to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Reflecting on the event’s significance, Monty Permenter, Sr Development Manager of American Cancer Society shared, “efforts by BAPS Charities are appreciated and help us fight cancer.”
Prominent attendees, including Senator Dist 26 and Mayor Elec John Horhn, City Councilman Dr. Brian Grizzell, Co-Chair of American Multi Ethnic Commission Dr Udaya Shivangi, Representative of MassMutual Rachana Puri lent their voices to the cause. Mayor Elect John Halhn, a guest speaker, remarked, “It is great to see large community involvement in such a noble cause”
For over 20 years, BAPS Charities has been dedicated to serving communities through health, education, humanitarian relief, environmental preservation, and community empowerment. In North America, it has organized over 1,000 Walk-Runs, 500 health fairs, and 500 blood donation drives, benefiting thousands.
Beyond the Walk-Run, BAPS Charities actively provides aid globally, supporting wildfire relief in Los Angeles, responding to hurricanes Milton and Helene, and assisting thousands of Ukrainian refugees. Through its “Spirit of Service” campaign, it leads food drives, toy drives, and health awareness initiatives. Globally, it has planted over 2 million trees and built 55 schools in disaster-hit regions. Committed to service and unity, BAPS Charities continues to make a lasting impact.
Participants expressed their enthusiasm for the Walk-Run, with Vicky Patel stating, “ I feel excited to be part of such an event where I get inspired and my children learn spirit of service”
Event lead Nayan Mehta extended gratitude to all involved, saying, “ Participating in any form is greatly appreciated especially those who have worked hard to raise fund and executed the event flaw lessly.”
As another successful Walk-Run concluded, the event reaffirmed the impact of collective action in fostering change. With every step taken, BAPS Charities continues to inspire service-minded individuals, ensuring that compassion and community engagement remain at the heart of its mission.
For more information on the local activities of BAPS Charities, please visit www.bapscharities.org.
