Last week was the 8th annual TEAN Fun Run/Walk during the NAFSA Annual Conference and Expo in Philadelphia, which kicked off at the iconic steps in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art (you might recognize them as the “Rocky Steps” from the 1976 film).

Group of people scattered in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Ready to kick-off the 8th Annual TEAN Fun Run / Walk in Philadelphia

Since launching the initial Fun Run, TEAN has donated more than $33,000 to various charities. This year, with the support of those who participated, TEAN was able to donate $5,000 to two amazing organizations: KOTO from Vietnam and Philadelphia-based non-profit, be.Girl.world.

Group photo from the TEAN Fun Run event in Philadelphia
TEAN Fun Run 2018 group in Philadelphia feeling pumped up!

KOTO

KOTO stands for Know One, Teach One. This social enterprise runs hospitality training programs in Hanoi, Vietnam for at-risk and disadvantaged youth, providing an opportunity to learn and thrive in their lives.​ Their purpose is to end the cycle of poverty by empowering and helping youth to forge a better future for themselves, their families and their communities. Our donation this year will cover the cost of tuition for one student to complete two years of the program. ​

be.Girl.world

beGirl.world (bGw) is an organization in Philadelphia that empowers teenage girls through global education and travel. According to their website, bGw challenges girls to think beyond their neighborhood, dream bigger than their city limits and create possibilities outside their country borders. Our donation this year will contribute to the experiences and travel for the 2017-2019 class of students as part of their 2-year program.

Five people wearing fun run t-shirts before the start of the event.
Thank you to all our colleagues from the field who joined us for the Fun Run / Walk in Philadelphia

TEAN made the donations on the behalf of everyone who participated at the event in Philadelphia. Our Chicago office kept up our own tradition and went for a local Fun Walk together in Chicago as well.

TEAN Chicago office standing outside next to the River
The Chicago office out for a walk – Kora (our office dog) was excited to participate.

In addition to the monetary donations, TEAN was also able to donate the furniture used at our NAFSA booth to Habitat for Humanity.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the TEAN Fun Run and supported both of our awesome organizations this year – we enjoyed spending time with you in Philly!

Check out more photos from the event posted on our TEAN Facebook page.