WEST ORANGE, NJ - The tenth annual STOP for Nikhil Walk/Run is going virtual on Sept. 13 and adding a 20K Bike Ride for the first time.

The popular event has been held each year at West Orange High School and raises money for the Nikhil Badlani Foundation, whose focus on Traffic Safety has helped to save lives and educate thousands of drivers about the dangers of distracted driving. The Foundation honors the memory of Nikhil Badlani, who was killed in a crash with a distracted driver in June, 2011. This year's event will go virtual to follow CDC guidelines during the Covid-19 crisis.

NBF has long supported the community, not only by promoting traffic safety awareness, but by distributing music and academic scholarships exceeding $30,000, providing online music lessons, and working with state legislators on bills regarding traffic safety. This year, the Foundation donated to a local food pantry to provide food for over 100 families during the pandemic. 

This year will see the addition of a 20K Bike Ride along with the annual 5K Walk/Run. Participating in the STOP For Nikhil challenge as a family offers the opportunity to participate in a fun activity together and at the same time support a worthy cause. The event will run from Sept. 13-20, allowing one week for participants to complete their challenge at their convenience.

New to the registration process? Register/Donate at stopfornikhil.org

• Set up a login
• Participants can start a team, Join a team, Join as yourself or Donate
• Additional family members can be added to the form. If you are joining a team, they can be on the same team as you or on different teams. One form for all members.
• Use PayPal or a Credit Card for payment
• You can use your login to add more members to your form or team at a later time.

The School team that raises the most funds will receive a $2,000 grant for their school. The top two non-school team captains will receive an award for raising the most funds.

“Despite low traffic volume in the recent months, the number of crashes have remained about the same,” noted Sangeeta Badlani.

“Help us save lives and reduce injuries from crashes. Zero is the only acceptable number of traffic deaths on our roadways," she continued.

"Together, we will make our streets safer for all and help children realize their dreams in music and academics,” she concluded.

For more information, visit the NBF website at https://nikhilbadlanifoundation.org/.