Champions Activate Communities to Support World Malaria Day

On World Malaria Day, April 25, grassroots supporters across the country rallied their communities, schools, and neighbors – all to help raise awareness and funds about malaria and The Million Nets Pledge.

Champion Kevin Strickland held a World Malaria Day bake sale in Springfield, VA, raising an incredible $10,000 in his history of fundraising for Nothing But Nets. Another all-star on the Champions Council, Michael Hesse, didn’t let his rained out World Malaria Day soccer tournament stop him from reaching his fundraising goal of $6,000 – he mobilized his neighbors to provi¬¬de a generous donation to us.

The Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA), a non-profit representing allied health physicians from the Nigerian Diaspora, held a 5K race in South El Monte, CA which had more than 100 participants and supporters.

Malaria Fellows from the Religious Action Center, Natalie Landau, of Boston University, and Lauren Sweet, of Stanford University, each raised $1,200 by organizing volleyball and basketball tournaments.

Perhaps the most contested challenge to support World Malaria Day was the Miles for Malaria Challenge between former Bachelor, triathlete, and physician, Dr. Andy Baldwin and Nothing But Nets’ very own Director, Chris Helfrich. Andy and Chris competed to see who could run the most miles from April 1 to 25 – and Chris outran Andy by 41 miles! The Challenge raised over $1,000 and Andy kept his end of the bargain by shaving his head live on television.

Supporters also advocated about the importance of continued funding toward critical programs like the President’s Malaria Initiative and the Global Fund. Earlier this week, Malaria fellow, Bella Merritt of American University, took to Capitol Hill to share her experiences advocating on behalf of malaria prevention with over 200 people. She described the impact of her engagement with Nothing But Nets, citing a recent event at her University where she hosted Congressman Jim McDermott (WA-D).

A big shout out to all of these Champions and other supporters continuing to push momentum about malaria last month! Anyone can help us fight malaria by taking The Million Nets Pledge. Sign up to take action today.