Everyone was expecting a rainy walk, because of the forecast, but it seemed like even nature wanted to support the cause, and to everyone's surprise, the day tu rned out to be warm and sunny. The walkathon started at 9 in the morning, and walkers were sent in batches of 20-25 members. Some of the enthusiastic walkers carried placards, with anti-cancer promotion, while others handed off information brochures to passersby, containing information on cancer created by VT Seva and American Cancer Association.

 
Walkers displayed colorful placards with cancer slogans such as "Nip it in the bud", "Arrest Cancer before it kills you", "Early detection is the best prevention", "A minute of smoking brings years of suffering." etc., It was very encouraging to see the group of students, children and walkers distributing the awareness literature to the pedestrians. They have also raised money for the cause during the walkathon.

Many of the participants were strongly motivated and took resolutions towards improving their lifestyle and health. Everyone was happy that a noble cause was being served and they were able to participate in it. T-shirts, walkathon kits, discount coupons from sponsors were given to participants free of cost. When walkers came back they were served with fresh fruits and water. Overall, it was a wonderful program, and renewed everyone's zeal to lead a healthy and stress free life.

 

Few youth enthusiastic volunteers created signs that said, "Honk for cancer", and motioned to passing cars near different intersections to honk, if they were aware of cancer and its deadly implications. They received over 600 honks=2 0from passing cars in a few hours!  

 

Clubs and students from Notre Dame High School and Monta Vista High Schools volunteered and participated in the walkathon. Monta Vista High School High School Interact club, and the Monta Vista Robotics team both declared partnership to spread awareness to club members. Notre Dame High School's Activities coordinator sent emails out to students to come and participate in the walkathon, and encouraged them to volunteer as well. The students collected pledges for the walkathon and raised funds for the event. A consulting company "Jaya Consulting Inc" matched the donations.

VT Seva set up it’s breast cancer awareness stall and snack stall at a cultural event organized by TAGB on January 24th. The stalls generated lot of enthusiasm in the community. Over 800 people attended the cultural event. The volunteers shared the brochures provided ‘Susan G Komen for the Cure’ which help create the awareness and understanding. The snack stall helped raise funds for ‘VT Seva’ breast cancer awareness/screening/treatment purposes. There are about 25 highly motivated youth and adult volunteers involved in this fund raising activity. The adult volunteers prepar ed the Indian snacks. Local Indian businesses ‘Kolava Market’ of Westford, MA and ‘Minerva Restaurant’ supported the cause by providing reduced price food material and some free snacks.

 

 Several volunteers put sincere effort and worked hard to prepare food, transport and sell at the stall. The planning sessions among the volunteers resulted in good co-ordination and management.  We also got an opportunity to present the organization goals by addressing the gathering of 800 people. All in all it’s wonderful event which provided everyone great satisfaction.

 

  The experience is priceless, volunteers gave their heart and supplied abundant positive energy for this special cause.   I appreciate their act of kindness, commitment and dedication.

 

Some comments by Youth volunteers:

 

Youth volunteer Harika prepared a VT Seva banner and Sravya, Sriramani, Varun, Sridhar and others spent considerable time at the awareness stall distributing flyers.

 

Sravy a Chary:  Working for VT Seva has helped me a lot.  It gave me a heads up on what some people are going through in the world such as, the people in India that have breast cancer and the kids in India that do not have an education.  It makes me feel awesome because now I know I can help those people in need.

 

Sridhar Sivapurapu: Working for VT Seva was a great experience for me. Although our shirt stand did not have the greatest amount of business, it has taught me to endure through tough times. This experience has taught me that the more effort you put into anything will make more people interested in what you do. Thus, from my time working for VT Seva, I have learned that working hard and showing interest are the key to success in life. 

 

Harika Kandukuri: I felt that our first project for VT Seva was a success. Varun J .. set up a nice presentation through his laptop and some people were interested to know the purpose of this project.  I created a banner at the stall where we were selling t-shirts and keychains. Sravya and some other girls spent most of their time selling items. I hope more kids get involve d for the next fundraiser of VT Seva. Overall, our project in Boston worked out very well.

 

Pranathi Kaki: In the 2009 Sankranti TAGB program, a table was set up to fund raise and spread Chinnajeeyar Swamiji's original goals and message for VT Seva. While the adults helped with the food stall, the youth volunteers stayed at the table to sell keychains and shirts from the Susan G. Komen foundation. The funds raised, in part, were donated to the foundation. It was a nice experience for youth volunteers to take part in such a noble cause and interact with the public. Improvements could be made to generate more money, but it was a good start. I am most definitely looking forward to future events.