3,700 Participated in Chicago Partnership Walk on September 25, 2005 to Help End Global Poverty.

CHICAGO -- Approximately 3,700 people participated in the Chicago Partnership Walk yesterday at Lincoln Park to show their support for international cooperation and ending poverty around the world. Nearly $560,000 was raised through the event. Partnership Walk is an initiative of Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. (AKF USA) and is organized by its network of volunteers in communities across the United States. The aim of the Walk is to raise public awareness and funds to help communities in some of the poorest areas of Africa and Asia create long-term solutions to poverty. The Partnership Walk has been held since 1995 in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston and Los Angeles.

Partnership Walk is a national event, which also takes place in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and Los Angeles. Five Walks were originally scheduled simultaneously for September 25, however, because of Hurricane Rita, the Walks in Dallas and Houston were postponed and will be rescheduled for later this year. More than 13,000 people participated in the Walks in Atlanta, Chicago and Los Angeles with approximately $2.5 million raised. One hundred percent of the funds raised at the Partnership Walks go directly to the projects supported by the Foundation. The cost of organizing the Walk is completely underwritten by AKF USA and in-kind contributors. No funds are used for administrative costs.

High-profile dignitaries participated in the opening ceremonies at the Atlanta Partnership Walk. Emilia DiMenco, Executive Vice President of Harris Bank, in the keynote address stated that, "Today we are all together for a common cause. That cause is the struggle against hunger, disease and illiteracy in much of the Third World. None of us will forget the recent scenes of devastation and hopelessness, hunger and despair. But I am not talking about Africa or Asia, but along our own Gulf coast in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. If ever there was a time when we could relate to the ongoing needs to those is far-off lands, and our obligation as citizens of the world to help others, it is today."

U.S. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky noted, "I want to personally thank all of the volunteers who have helped put this wonderful event together. Without the dedication and hard work of the volunteers we would not be able to have this forum to provide help and education about real life crisis happening both around the world and in our nation." Illinois Secretary of State, Jesse White also participated with the famous Jesse White Tumblers. Dr. Rashida Khakoo, Chairman of Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A.'s National Committee also addressed the crowd, especially thanking those attending the event on behalf of all who will benefit from the generous contributions of the community.

Serving as masters of ceremonies were Karen Jordan of WLS-ABC Channel 7, Bill Moller of CLTV News, John Garcia of WLS-ABC Channel 7, and Judie Garcia of WGN TV-Channel 9. Following the Walk and a picnic lunch, there was a program of entertainment celebrating world cultures. The diverse range of musical and dance performances included Hip-Hop ConnXion, Irish Tap Dance, Spanish cultural performance, Chinese lion dance, garba dance, among many others.

At the Village in Action, participants of all ages had an opportunity to engage in interactive activities and learn how people in developing countries create solutions to overcome the challenges of low income, poor health and limited educational opportunities. Through displays and hands-on demonstrations, the Village in Action showcased the positive results that are achieved by the Foundation's community-based, self-help development programs in Africa and Asia. Educational displays emphasized the impact that microfinance has on moving the poor beyond day-to-day survival and breaking the vicious circle of poverty. As volunteers from the Chicago metropolitan area researched, planned, designed and created the exhibits, they gained a deeper understanding of global citizenship.

The theme for Partnership Walk 2005 is "Investing in People." In recognition of 2005 as the United Nations International Year of Microcredit, the Walk highlighted the vast potential that microcredit has for reducing poverty and vulnerability and empowering women. The Foundation invests in people to help impoverished communities and families seize the opportunity to move toward greater choice and voice in order to improve their lives. By promoting quality education, improving health care and placing tools for economic empowerment into the hands of people, the Foundation helps them build the skills necessary to lead self-sufficient, healthy and dignified lives.

The Foundation works in partnership with other institutions dedicated to international development such as the U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. State Department, the World Bank as well as private foundations and corporations.

With experience in development work in some of the most challenging parts of the world, the Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. fully appreciates how essential it is to offer immediate help to those affected by Hurricane Katrina. In the midst of the tragedy and despair inflicted by the hurricane, the Aga Khan Development Network is engaged in relief efforts through its affiliate, Focus Humanitarian Assistance, the Network's international emergency response agency. Current relief and recovery efforts are underway in Texas and, in particular, in the cities of Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin to help people displaced by Hurricane Katrina through resettlement assistance, volunteer mobilization and the provision of optometric, food and hygiene supplies. The outpouring of generous assistance from so many Americans and citizens around the globe is a testament to the human spirit that connects us together to build a better world for all.

AKF USA, established in 1981, is a private, non-denominational, non-profit international development organization committed to alleviating poverty, hunger, disease and illiteracy. AKF USA is part of the Aga Khan Development Network (www.akdn.org), a network of private, non-denominational, development agencies around the world, established by His Highness the Aga Khan to empower communities and individuals, often in disadvantaged circumstances, improve living conditions and opportunities. The overarching goal of the Network's programs is to help poor communities achieve a level of self-reliance whereby they are able to plan their own futures. The Foundation presently supports 140 programs in 16 countries for the common good of all citizens regardless of their gender, origin or religion. The geographic focus of the Foundation's development programs is in East Africa and South and Central Asia. Aga Khan Foundation was established in Geneva Switzerland in 1967 by its Chairman, His Highness the Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims, who have a long tradition of philanthropy, volunteerism, self-help, education and social welfare.

Visit the Partnership Walk website at www.partnershipwalk.org.