The 17th Annual Asha-Jyothi 5K Run/Walk on September 21, 2025 drew a record 2,000 participants to Fairfax Corner, VA on Sunday morning, turning out to be one of the organization’s most successful events to date. The charity run, a cornerstone of Asha-Jyothi’s (AJ) fundraising efforts, combined athletic spirit with community impact — and culminated in a $75,000 donation to local schools in Fairfax (FCPS) and Loudoun (LCPS) counties to support STEM and innovation initiatives.

The event kicked off with the Kids 1-Mile Fun Run at 8:00 a.m., followed by the 5K main race at 8:30 a.m. Families, students, teachers, and community members filled the route, cheered on by volunteers and supported by hydration stations and marshals throughout the certified course. After the run, the celebration continued with electric Bollywood dance performances, breakfast, ceremonial check ceremony to local schools and race prizes distribution. Click here to see Race pics – Link1 & Link2 .

Educate-Innovate Program in Action

This year’s 5K was not just about crossing the finish line — it was about bringing Asha-Jyothi’s mission full circle. Proceeds from the event fueled the organization’s Educate-Innovate program, which provides grants to schools for STEM and technology projects.

On race day, Asha-Jyothi proudly announced a $75,000 donation to local schools. These grants are designed to empower students with the tools and opportunities they need to explore, innovate, and succeed in a technology-driven future. Linked is the count of registrations from participating schools – https://www.asha-jyothi.org/2025-va-school-counts/ . The final amounts along with the incentives will be donated back to the schools so that the funds can be put to use towards their respective STEM/STEAM needs.

The ceremonial checks were formally presented by Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid, and Neil Slevin, Assistant Superintendent Loudon County Public Schools (LCPS) alongside AJ team members, to school principals in attendance. “These grants are an investment in creativity, problem-solving, and the limitless future of our students,” said Dr. Reid during the ceremony.

Congratulations to all the participating schools. Special shout out to principals – Mr. Pannutti (Navy ES) & Ms. McLaughlin (Navy ES SBTS); Ms. Goodloe (Chantilly HS) & Mr. Shapiro (CHS Athletic Director); Mr. D’Amato (DeerPark ES) & Mr. Campet (DeerPark ES,SBTS); Ms. Hudson (Lunsford MS), Mr. Greta (Woodson HS) & Ms. D’Amato (Woodson HS Varsity Soccer Coach), and Mr. Carmichael (Vienna ES) & Mr. Reynolds (Vienna ES SBTS).

The top schools that were awarded ceremonial checks at the event were:

  • – Navy ES $10,000
  • – Chantilly HS $5,123
  • – DeerPark ES $4,795
  • – Lunsford MS $4,600
  • – Special recognition to
    • – Woodson HS for reaching 75 registrations
    • – Vienna ES for their exceptionally creative social media campaign.

Community Leaders and Strategic Outreach

The success of this initiative was due in large part to the outreach efforts by Raja Puli and Vinny Thota for their strategic engagement with principals, school officials, and parents across FCPS and LCPS. Their work helped deepen schools’ understanding of AJ’s mission and demonstrate the tangible difference the organization’s support makes in classrooms and beyond.

The $75,000 raised from race registrations, including AJ incentive dollars, will be awarded and distributed to schools on October 16, 2025 during the grand inauguration and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Deer Park ES Innovation Lab and Bucky’s Rest Stop — a $100,000 grant sponsored by Asha-Jyothi.

Educate-Innovate Grant Open Period Call: We encourage your school to submit a proposal to advance STEAM needs, build Innovation Labs, Maker Space facilities and Technology Enhancements. Grant Award Date: Approved grant recipients will be announced following the grand inauguration and ribbon-cutting ceremony of Deer Park ES’s Innovation Lab and Bucky’s Rest Stop on Thursday, October 16, 2025, Grant Application Submission Deadline: Monday, October 6, 2025, by 5:00 P.M.

100% Volunteer-Run, 100% Impact

Founded on the principles of service and innovation, Asha-Jyothi is a 100% volunteer-driven nonprofit, with every dollar raised directed to education and healthcare initiatives. Over the years, the Fairfax 5K has become its signature event, funding projects that impact more than 6,250 students annually while also supporting programs in India.

Looking Ahead

Organizers called this year’s 5K a milestone achievement, blending awareness, culture, and philanthropy into a single community celebration. “Hearty congratulations to everyone involved in making this year’s event a success,” the group said in a statement. Our heartfelt gratitude and thank you to all our sponsors who believed and supported year after year, and we cannot think of bringing best 5K run experience to you all!!”

Planning is already underway for the 18th Annual Asha-Jyothi 5K in 2026, with hopes of growing participation and impact even further.

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