Huntington, NY – Assemblyman Steve Stern (D-10th AD) recently joined a host of local elected officials, spiritual leaders and community members at the kick-off ceremony for the BAPS Charities Walk Green 2018 fundraiser.

The walkathon, which took place at the BAPS Long Island temple in Melville, helped raise over $16,000 for the Nature Conservancy, Newsday Charities and other charitable activities organized by BAPS Charities. Specifically, the funding will support The Nature Conservancy’s efforts to plant and restore over 1.6 million acres of land by planting one billion trees by 2025 through their Plant a Billion Trees initiative. The funding for Newsday Charities will help local nonprofit organizations that provide vital programs in the areas of hunger, housing, youth education and child abuse prevention/treatment.

The BAPS is a worldwide socio-spiritual organization focused on nurturing and the growth of the individual. BAPS Charities harnesses the efforts and collective spirit of volunteers around the world to serve individuals, families and communities in five key areas: Community Empowerment, Educational Services, Environmental Protection & Preservation, Health & Wellness, and Humanitarian Relief. Taken together, these initiatives empower individuals to volunteer their time and resources to create a better community, nation and world.

“It was a privilege to take part in the opening ceremony for the BAPS Charities 2018 Walkathon,” said Assemblyman Stern. “I want to thank all of the event participants for supporting this worthy cause as well as my dear friends at the BAPS temple for all that they do on behalf of our local community.”