Thursday, September 24, 2020
It was truly a global happening in recognition of the resilience of AUB and the people of Beirut. The AUB4Beirut Run was also a lot of fun. More than 250 alumni and friends in 12 countries biked, ran, hiked, and walked in dozens of locations from Singapore to Los Angeles on September 18-20. President Fadlo and Dr. Lamya Khuri hit the mountain trails in Lebanon. Noura Ali-Ramahi, the top fundraiser, cycled 200 kilometers in Abu Dhabi and raised $10,295.00.
The goal of the AUB4Beirut Run was to show support for AUB and the people of Beirut – and to raise money for the university’s response to the August 4, 2020 explosion in the Beirut port. The event was an overwhelming success on both fronts attracting more than 925 donations from 19 countries, totaling over $105,000 for AUB4Beirut Disaster Response initiatives through AUB’s first official crowdfunding drive. “It’s wonderful that we had such great engagement from our alumni base and were also able to raise much-needed support for important AUB initiatives benefiting the people of Beirut who were most affected by the explosion,” said VP for Advancement and Business Development Imad B. Baalbaki, who walked 32 kilometers. He added, “I’m even more pleased that the AUB4Beirut Run generated so much positive energy. These have been tough times for many of us. I think we were all happy to come together in support of our AUB and our city of Beirut.”
Some participants joined events organized by WAAAUB chapters in Canada (Montreal and Ottawa), Cyprus, Germany, Kuwait, Lebanon, Singapore, the UK, and the US, (Atlanta, Houston, Indiana, Greater Los Angeles, Midwest, North Carolina, Orange County, and Philadelphia/Delaware Valley). “Our WAAAUB chapters came out in great numbers. They really rose to the occasion,” said AVP for Alumni Relations – North America and WAAAUB General Secretary Lina Jazi, who ran 5 kilometers. “16 alumni chapters in 12 countries representing each of the five WAAAUB global regions participated in the September 18-20 event. We’re looking forward to even greater participation next year!”