Join the thousands of concerned citizens in over 85 communities across the nation who will walk together to raise money and awareness to ensure vital, free NAMI programs and services are available to provide help and hope to those in need. Every journey begins with that first step. Through NAMIWalks’ public, active display of support for people affected by mental illness, we are changing our American communities and ensuring that help and hope are available for those in need.

Time:

The event registration and mingling part starts at 9 am, where you will get to visit with our sponsors, enjoy a cup of coffee, and pick up your event t-shirt.

Location/Parking:

The Walk takes place at the Harbor Lawn of Waterfront Park on the river. The address for the Green Parking Lot is 300 River Road. It is free to park there for our group. Additionally, Waterfront Park offers 7 parking lots, participants can park along the Waterfront side (north side) of River Road (meters are enforced on Saturday we’re told), and there is a surface lot across from the Great Lawn.

Program/Awards Ceremony:

We will kick-off our program around 9:40 am, then start walking at 10:30 am. The Awards and Door Prize Ceremony will be held immediately upon everyone returning from the Walk, so stick around. Everything typically wraps up around 12noon.

Food/Drink:

We will have a Refreshment Tent with popcorn, snow-cones, fruit and granola bars, along with coffee, tea and water.

Social Media:

If you talk about the walk on your Facebook page or other social channels, please remember to tag us and use the hashtags #stepforwardformentalhealth #stopthestigma #showotherstheyarenotalone

Sponsor Booths:

Meet and greet with our sponsors and learn a little more about all the ways they support mental health. While you’re in there, please also remember to thank them, too, for helping ensure our classes remain free.

Sponsors’/VIP Tent:

Sponsors, please enjoy the Sponsor Tent for a snack and a seat. Team captains – you are welcome in there, as well.

Door Prizes:

We have several door prizes to distribute. Be sure to hold on to the special tickets you get at registration. Those will be drawn when we get back from the Walk, and you must be present to win.

Cool Zone:

The Cool Zone is back. Stop in there to squirt your face with cold water, grab something to drink or a snow-cone.

Share Your Story/Selfie Station Tent:

This is new this year! Hop in there to celebrate your fundraising efforts by taking a picture with a big check, customized just for you, or enjoy some of our other photo props. Also, in here, be sure to fill out the What NAMI Means to Me card, or the Why We Walk card, or honor the people for whom you are walking.

Walk Routes:

Once again, we do have a longer route (about two miles) and a shorter route this year, but both routes will take off at the same time. Participants will be directed via signage and volunteers along the route. Click here to see the map.