The Dream Mile is a flagship initiative by Vibha which aims to raise funds for underprivileged children in the US and India through a plethora of physical activities, held annually in September.
Our aim is simple: to make a meaningful impact in the society while creating a positive and fruitful experience for all participants. Since its inception in 1998 at Atlanta, Dream Mile has been able to raise more than $3 million and help support over 180,000 children. In these extremely successful 23 years, we have reached over 20 cities around the world and created a dedicated community of changemakers and health enthusiasts who join us each year.
The Dream Mile initiative combines month-long and daily activities which people can participate in from anywhere in the world. Due to the pandemic, Dream Mile saw increased attendance for its virtual events. Meanwhile, locals from Atlanta and New Jersey have, like every year, come out in staggering numbers in support of this annual event. This year, Vibha anticipates to see 5000+ patrons from around the world joining in.
The month of September comes jam packed with events such as 1k and 5k walks, and 5k and 10k runs. Our showstopper is undoubtedly the Half-Marathon. Apart from these in-person events, we receive virtual participation wherein people submit to us screenshots from their fitness apps showing the completion of their daily goals (usually 5000 or 10000 steps). These events help in not just raising awareness on the issues we support, but also aim to mitigate a sedentary lifestyle which often affects our physical health. To take time out for our own body is a necessity, and with Dream Mile we incentivize it by helping a vulnerable section of the society.
Throughout these years, Dream Mile has been an event which sees the community participating as a whole. From children under 6 to adults over 50, Dream Mile is a place for everyone who wishes to make a difference. We welcome team participation, and the teams can be of colleagues, friends, or family. No initiative can be truly successful without the support of the community. As part of its developmental initiatives, the Dream Mile sets aside funds to mitigate issues in the local community at its host cities, like Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and NPOs such as Communities in Schools of Chicago.
Our participants get trophies, memorabilia, digital bibs, but they also get a lot more. Every year, Dream Mile participants set out of their homes to selflessly create a better future for children both in their localities and seven seas away. This spirit of determination and a passion for leaving the world a better place is what drives them and us. Vibha’s numbers reflect its success, but your presence is what truly reflects the support for our values and the generosity of mankind. One person, one team, one organisation cannot change the world, but each one of us can change something. Be a part of Dream Mile today and let us walk a mile for a million smiles.
Visit www.dreammile.org to know more and register for our events.