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Nikhil Badlani Foundation Holds 6th Annual 5k Run/Walk
West Orange, NJ - Hundreds gathered at Suriano Stadium in West Orange on Sept. 18 for the sixth annual Stop for Nikhil 5k Run/Walk. People from all over New Jersey participated in the event to support the Nikhil Badlani Foundation and promote traffic safety awareness. More than $52,000 was raised.
The Foundation was created after 11-year-old Nikhil Badlani lost his life in a motor vehicle accident in June 2011. An academically rigorous student, Nikhil attended West Orange Public Schools and participated in programs such as HAP (High Aptitude Program), Wind Ensemble, and the New Jersey Youth Symphony. Nikhil’s friends and family describe him as having had an “eagerness to learn and help others,” and a “passion for music and theater.”
The Nikhil Badlani Foundation has issued $35,000 in scholarships to 21 students, has provided over 1300 hours of music lessons, and has donated over 90 reflector strips imprinted, “Drive Smart. Save a Life.” to six towns in Essex County. Last year a new state law, NJ 1781, was passed to raise awareness about traffic safety through the “STOP for Nikhil Safety Pledge.”
“In 2015, Motor Vehicle fatalities increased by 7.2% from last year, the largest increase in the last 50 years,” noted Sangeeta Badlani, mother of Nikhil and President of the Nikhil Badlani Foundation. “Ten percent more teens died in 2015 and fatalities due to distraction increased by 8.8 percent. These statistics show that more work needs to be done.”
To raise more awareness for responsible driving, the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, the National Foundation for Teen Safe Driving, and the Pleasant Valley Way Civic Association sponsored this year’s event.
“There are 25,000 cars on Pleasant Valley Way each day, but not a lot has been done to reduce its crash rates and speed limits,” said Roz Moskovitz Bielski of the Pleasant Valley Civic Association. “Our efforts have already spun throughout most of West Orange; however, we are striving to work with the county and the state of New Jersey to reduce the crash rate and speed limits on Pleasant Valley Way for the safety of the more than 4,000 school children and senior citizens along the corridor.”
Zumba, hula hooping, and a performance by the Music for Nikhil group were among the many activities at the event. Additionally, Mark and Julie’s Ice Cream and Jersey Mike’s Subs provided subs and sandwiches.
“Senior year is a milestone, a time for exiting and entering new ages and experiences. We are Nikhil's senior class. And through each class and lunch period and assembly we carry him with us,” Kravitz said.
The Foundation dedicates itself to music, education, and traffic safety—all of which played roles in Nikhil’s life. Programs include Music for Nikhil, the Nikhil Badlani Scholarship, and Traffic Safety Awareness. Additional events are run by the Foundation throughout the year including Traffic Safety Artwork exhibits and t-shirt designing contests.
Click HERE to learn more about the Nikhil Badlani Foundation, for upcoming events in New Jersey and to find out how to donate or contribute to the cause.
Bridget Cunningham is a senior at West Orange High School participating on the Mountaineer Media Team.
Seniors at WOHS walk a lap in memory of Nikhil Badlani, who would have graduated with them in June, 2017.