Hello! I am Asmita Kulkarni and this year I will be riding my first ever long-distance bike ride from Seattle to Portland (STP) which is 206 miles on July 17-19, 2021.
Due to the continuing Covid restrictions, the traditional outdoor biking event is replaced by a virtual one where I will be riding indoors to complete the ride. I am training very hard to achieve my goal of completing 206 miles in 3 days! My bigger goal for the vSTP ride is to raise funds and awareness for the charitable organization ‘Asha for Education’ that primarily focuses on the education of underprivileged children in India.
I come from a family that values education and it was always a top priority. I firmly believe that education is the medium for individual, social and economic development –and it also contributes to improved health, human rights, and gender equality. Every child has the right to education. However, there are countless underprivileged children in India and around the world for whom education is perceived as a high-priced luxury. Therefore, I always felt connected with “Asha” and their mission of bringing socio-economic change primarily through education for underprivileged children. For last several years, I have supported Asha in multiple ways, but I feel that I can make bigger impact by participating in their training program to raise funds for their noble cause.
How can you help?
You can help by contributing towards my modest goal of raising $1000 for the organization. I pledge to do my part and am committed to match the amount dollar for a dollar up to $500. Every dollar you donate will go a long way in making a huge positive impact in lives of underprivileged children. Thanks to my employer– Microsoft, who will match my donation as well, so your donation will effectively be tripled!
Asha is registered with many corporate employers for donation matching programs. So please consider using employer matching for your donation to make every dollar you contribute go an extra mile.
Note that Asha is a registered 501(c) organization, and all donations are tax deductible.
Why do I support ‘Asha for Education’?
Besides their noble cause and work at the grass root levels, Asha is a “minimal overhead” organization, driven by volunteers (including the administrative expenses) ensuring that more than 95% of our donations are sent to their partner groups in India. Asha for Education has consistently secured a 100% rating on Charity Navigator, a well-established database that evaluates non-profit organizations on the basis of transparency, accountability and financial parameters
Click here to learn more about the projects supported by the Asha Seattle chapter, all over India!
How do I donate?
You can use any of these alternatives to make your contribution:
- On this webpage by clicking “Donate” button. Remember to mention “2021 Asha Bike Program – for Asmita Kulkarni”
- (For Microsoft employees) through http://give
– Go to http://give
– Click on “My Giving Portal”
– Click on “Option 1: Search for a cause”
– In the Find a Cause box, search for “Asha for Education – Seattle Chapter”
– Click Donate Now
– Add “2021 ASHA Bike Program – for Asmita Kulkarni” in the comments - If you use your work donation portal, please remember to add “2021 ASHA Bike Program – for Asmita Kulkarni” in the comments. The cause is “Asha for Education – Seattle Chapter”.