Kadva Patidar Samaj Chicago conducts 5K walkathon

The fundraiser supported Param Sukh Jivan Vikas Kendra in India, helping advance its spiritual wellness and humanitarian initiatives through community donations.

Glimpses of the gathering / Provided

The Kadva Patidar Samaj (KPS) Chicago organized a 5K Walkathon and its annual community picnic last month at Busse Woods Forest Preserve, with the walkathon serving as a fundraiser for an India-based nonprofit organization.

The 5K Walkathon was held at Grove 5 of the forest preserve and attracted participation from 40 KPS youth members. Prizes were presented to the first 12 finishers.

Organizers said the walkathon was conducted to raise funds for Param Sukh Jivan Vikas Kendra, a nonprofit and spiritual wellness organization founded by Gurudev Shree Pankajbhai in India. Community members also contributed to the fundraising initiative.

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The annual KPS picnic was subsequently held at Grove 6 of the Busse Woods Forest Preserve and was attended by more than 700 members, families and friends.

The event included breakfast and afternoon refreshments, children's games and community activities. Gift cards were awarded to 25 winners of the children's competitions. Organizers also acknowledged additional community donations received for the picnic.

Glimpses of the gathering / Provided

A devotional aarti dedicated to Shree Umiya Mataji was held before the evening meal. Traditional Gujarati dishes, including puri, khichadi, mixed vegetable curry and mohanthal, were served during dinner.

KPS thanked its executive team, board of directors, trustees, advisory committee, volunteers, donors and community members for their support in organizing the walkathon and picnic. Organizers said the events were aimed at encouraging youth participation, strengthening community engagement and supporting charitable initiatives through collective involvement.

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Comments

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Sam

2026-07-25 00:00:00

A blind devotion to home and country!!!

Indians in India are rich. Gujaratis in India are richer. But Indians in USA are EASY PICKINGS for donations. A little cry and begging and money flows while the same Gujaratis have no temple of their own in the USA or a place to call "community home" in the USA to visit. Idiots as we are we will donate to the people who have their money and who spend it to show off but expect Indians in USA who save to give.

Indians in the USA need to start building in the USA. Have organizations here that help Indians in need. And when we have our own life line we look at those in other places.