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On Sept. 24, a local Pakistani community service group sponsored a 2.5-mile walk to bring residents and police and firefighters together in a unifying manner.
Nonprofit Mashal partnered with the San Ramon Police Department and San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District to sponsor the Fallen Heroes Walk in Central Park. The walking event also featured fire trucks and police cars on display, fire demonstrations and various games.
“The purpose is to give back to the men and women who have done so much for us,” said Mashal President Faraz Sattar. “We really don’t appreciate them enough.”
One hundred percent of the proceeds donated by sponsors such as Summit Preschool, Baskin Robins and Marriott Hotels and Resorts, as well as generous walkers, was given to the 100 Club of Contra Costa County.
“100 Club is a non-profit organization that puts on events to raise funds for family members of those who have fallen in the line of duty,” said Lt. Ralph Brown with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office.
Many of the firefighters and police officers present felt personally touched by the event.
Fire Inspector Natalie Kurtz led a tour through a makeshift home where she showed a group of children how to escape a fire and the plans families should have at home.
“This whole thing means much more to me than just being in the event,” she said after the children climbed out a makeshift window on a ladder. “My father was a firefighter and was injured in the line of duty close to the end of his career.”
Fire Chief Richard Price, brought his daughter along and was similarly affected.
“I’m thrilled that we’re raising awareness and getting the community together to shake hands with each other,” he said.
San Ramon Mayor Abram Wilson was grinning from ear to ear throughout the event.
“This is typical San Ramon: helping members of San Ramon, interacting, bringing people together. They’re breaking down barriers and building bridges with the community,” Abram said.
For more information on the 100 Club, visit 100clubcontracostacounty.org.
