Partnership Day 2008

When: Saturday, October 4, 2008

Why: TO HELP END GLOBAL POVERTY!

Where: Veterans Park on Valleydale

Statistics: About 1,600 attendees and $95,000 in funds raised.

Background:

The concept of Partnership Day is based on the super successful Partnership Walk – an annual interactive event that combines education with entertainment for the whole family to raise awareness and funds to help people lift themselves out of poverty.  Partnership Walk will celebrate 14 years in the U.S.A. this year. 

Both Partnership Day and Walk are PartnershipsInAction initiatives that give individuals an opportunity to actively take part in advancing human dignity and peace around the globe through volunteerism, awareness-raising and contributions as global citizens in building bridges of hope that reach across boundaries of race, religion, creed, age and gender. Since 1995, PartnershipsInAction events have attracted over 250,000 participants and raised over $29 million nationwide.

100% of donations and all net proceeds from the Partnership Day go directly to projects supported by the Foundation; not a cent is spent on administration.

Partnership Day 2008:

Partnership Day 2008 opened with the national anthem performed by a graduate of Hoover High followed by a series of stage performances by various local artists.  On stage performances included break dancing, Irish folk dances, Latin American and African dances. 

Throughout the day, visitors also enjoyed face-painting, balloon sculpting, henna tattooing, and even miniature golf.  There was great free food and refreshments including burgers, deli sandwiches, ice-cream, cake, and so on.  Several

Village In Action:

One of the major highlights of Partnership Day.  Participants of all ages got an opportunity to engage in activities to experience first-hand challenges faced by people in the developing nations and how through partnerships they are able to create solutions to overcome those challenges of low income, poor health conditions and limited educational opportunities. 

The Village comprised of 4 exhibits; School of Hope (education), Building Hope (work), Reviving Hope (hospital), and the Microfinance Maze. 

At the School of Hope exhibit, Hoover School students (dressed as teachers from Central Asia), “taught” attendees about the Foundation’s Milk and Hope program; a partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide milk as an incentive for students to attend school providing nourishment for the mind and the body. 

At the Building Hope exhibit, participants had to work on “rough” terrain (read: tires posed as potholes) to transport bricks for construction.  Participants “bitten” by children dressed as mosquitoes had to rush to the Reviving Hope hospital – where they learned of malaria and other diseases and how solutions were being implemented successfully to combat these. 

Children at the Village Well shared the importance of access to clean drinking water and how many around the world don’t have access to this very basic necessity of life that we take for granted. 

Finally, at the Microfinance Maze (which also doubled as an Art Gallery showcasing art submissions by Hoover Middle school students) participants learned (at their own pace) about how microfinance can empower people and spark economic activity.

Distinguished Guests:

This year was very successful in drawing attention from leadership. 

We had Mayors of 3 cities in attendance!  The keynote speak, Hon. Tony Petelos also proclaimed 10/4/2008 as the AGA KHAN FOUNDATION Day!!  He also presented Ms. Anita Parpia from AKF USA with the Key to the City of Hoover!!!  In his keynote address, he praised the many citizens of Alabama who truly care about building a safer, healthier and more prosperous world saying “Partnership Day is an example of Americans taking action locally that leads to progress around the globe… by investing in people and strengthening their capacity to build a better future for themselves, you honor them and respect their dignity.” 

Hon. Charles “Scotty” McCallum also addressed the crowd with inspiring messages.  He expressed pride on being part of such a “Fantastic!” initiative.  He also praised the energy and commitment of the youth. 

Besides top level civic leaders, we had leaders from the media, business, and academic spheres; Andrew Yeager from National Public Radio (WBHM) was there.  Bill Powell (Director of Hoover Area Chamber) was there.  UAB lecturers were present.  We had a Georgia State Auditor at Partnership Day.  Hoover School Board, Hoover Police Chief, Hoover School Principals, … were either there themselves or had representatives.

Theme:

The 2008 theme for Partnership Day, “Planting Our Future,” spotlights the extraordinary success, expansion and impact of Aga Khan Foundation’s rural support programs.  The story of the AKF’s rural support programs brings to light the power of partnerships and reflects the Foundation’s enduring commitment to community participation and grassroots democracy.  It embraces the time-tested principle of helping people to help themselves.

The Aga Khan Foundation:

Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A., established in 1981, is a private, nondenominational, nonprofit international development organization committed to the struggle against hunger, disease and illiteracy.

The Foundation works to address the root causes of poverty by sharing innovative solutions and by supporting over 100 programs in health, education, rural development, civil society and the environment primarily in East Africa and South and Central Asia.