BAPS Charities hosts Inaugural Walkathon in Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, BAPS Charities launched its 2026 Spirit of Service Walk-Run at Coolidge Park, raising money for Children’s Hospital at Erlanger.
Organizers said the event was part of a nationwide effort taking place in communities across the country, while also marking Chattanooga’s first time hosting the fundraiser.
Volunteer Meet Patel said the walkathon reflects the organization’s commitment to serving others.
“Our first one that Chattanooga is hosting, and I do believe one of our biggest mottos, that our late spiritual leader, who’s also the head of BAPS Charities, believed in, is that the joy of others lies in our own,” Patel explained.
Families from the local temple came together to support the fundraiser, including many children who helped raise money for the cause.
Volunteer Kruti Patel said younger participants took an active role in collecting donations by reaching out to teachers, classmates, and family members.
“Children that you saw today helped us raise money as well,” Patel stated. “Our younger children reached out to teachers, families from school, and others in the community.”
Meet Patel said seeing the generosity of the children was one of the most inspiring parts of the event.
“I wholeheartedly believe that any sort of action that one commits matters,” he said. “One of the kids who was playing outside here ended up being number three on our donation leaderboard.”
Organizers say the Chattanooga walkathon is expected to become an annual tradition.
Kruti Patel said BAPS Charities plans to continue partnering with local organizations and beneficiaries in the future.
“Next year, we will be partnering with somebody else and supporting similar causes,” she added.
For those who missed this year’s event, organizers say there will be more opportunities to participate as the newly established Chattanooga chapter continues to grow.
