Sunnyvale, California (PRWEB) May 26, 2014
“We’ve come a long way from the modest 200 participants and 10 non-profits in 2009. Sevathon 2014 is expected to attract 5000 participants and more than 100 not-for-profit organizations to collaborate, setting a new record. Sevathon lovers are urged to register early as the event was sold out in 2013,” said Anuradha Jagadeesh, Sevathon co-chair.
Early bird registrations are open for 5K/10K/Half Marathon or 27/54/108 Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation), a series of yoga postures synchronized with the breath.
One of the most unique additions to Sevathon 2014 is a mentor program for the participating nonprofit organizations. “With the mentor program, members of all our participating nonprofits get one-on-one time with some of Bay Area’s most successful and experienced entrepreneurs and learn about ideas to scale, recruit new volunteers and leverage the community. The idea is to empower in every way we can. We are grateful that so many of Bay Area’s business leaders have come out to support this program and our non-profit participants are taking full advantage of it,” added Jagadeesh.
Entrepreneurs participating in the mentor program include A. G. Karunakaran, Ram Reddy, Raju Reddy, Murali Chirala and B. V. Jagadeesh.
Sevathon derives its name from the Sanskrit word ‘Seva’ which means service and Sevathon’s spirit has been endorsed wholeheartedly by Bay Area residents who are supporting and appreciating the non profit efforts.
“The support Isha Vidhya got via Sevathon has made huge impact to our initiative for educating children in rural India. In 2013 alone, Sevathon helped us raise more than $43,000 which helped sponsor 154 children for scholarships and also buy classroom furniture and play equipment for one of our schools. This will be our third year at Sevathon and we hope to reach out to larger number of people and raise funds to support much needed scholarships and infrastructure build-out for higher classes,” said Subbu Swaminathan, San Francisco Bay Area representative for Isha Vidhya.
“At Sevathon you actually get to know the people behind these nonprofits and you realize that they are just like you and me --- not social workers or philanthropists – simple people who have chosen to take time out of their lives to make a difference. It’s a very heartwarming and encouraging feeling,” added Nandita Verma, Sevathon participant since 2009.
“We are excited that a large number of people and organizations are leveraging this platform to support the causes they are passionate about. Sevathon aims to set the standard as the largest social and services platform of its kind in the Bay Area,” added Pragati Grover, Executive Director of the India Community Center, which drives the event.
Sevathon 2014 is scheduled from 6:30 am to 1:00 pm. A cultural extravaganza, several kids activities and Bay Area's largest showcase of not-for-profit organizations will run in parallel to the walk/run.
A much-loved Sevathon tradition, the passing of the Sevathon torch among the participating non-profits, is part of the pre-event programs again this year. The Sevathon torch will travel many cities of the Bay Area and spread the message of service and unity.
Early bird registration fees range from $25 to $40 per person.
Register for Walk / Run 5K /10K / Half Marathon/ 27/54/108 Suryanamaskar http://KonnectMe.org/Sevathon-2014.
Contacts
- Media: Venkatraman CK (m) 408.245.0193 (e) ckvenkatram(at)gmail(dot)com
- Non Profits: Prabhu Venkatesh (m) 925.202.1176, (e) prabhuvenkatesh(at)hotmail(dot)com
- Sponsorships: Diptes Basu, (m) 408.715.7137 (e) diptes.basu(at)gmail(dot)com
- Volunteering: Poonam Chabra (e) poornima(at)indiacc(dot)org