VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT THE WALK
We are still in need of volunteers to help set-up and tear down on walk day. Set-up will begin at 9:30am and tear down will begin immediately following the walk. If you are able to lend a hand before or after the walk please let us know by calling/texting Jenni Hilligoss at 248.721.6564. All volunteers will receive a t-shirt.
Your Walk to Defeat ALS® Grand Rapids Checklist
DATE: Sunday, September 10th
LOCATION: 6th Street Bridge Park, 627 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 - click here for directions & map
CHECK-IN: 12 noon
OPENING CEREMONY: 1:30pm
- Our Master of Ceremonies: Andy O'Riley, co-host of Andy and Dave Daily, on the Muskegon Channel
- Unlock ALS program honoring our ALS community
WALK BEGINS: 2pm
PARKING INFO: Parking at the park is limited. We suggest carpooling if you’re able. Below is a list of other parking lots in the area should the park lot become full:
- 804 Bond Ave MW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- 49-1 Throwbridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- 451-601 Ionia Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- 601 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
WALK DAY DETAILS:
- If you are not feeling well, please stay home to keep our ALS community safe.
- Don't forget to celebrate your team and accomplishments - get creative with team signs!
- Want a T-shirt? T-shirts are first come, first served for anyone who has met the $100 minimum fundraising goal.
- Have donations to turn in? Any money raised offline can be turned in at registration. Online fundraising will remain open until November 30th.
- Need a Team Photo? Photographers will be taking pictures throughout the park and walk route.
- Is there a place to honor our ALS Hero? Yes! Bring a picture of your loved one for the Honor/Memorial Tent.
- Want to learn more about ALS & Resources? Visit the Care Services tent and say hi to our Care Services staff, Tanya Peterson and Stephanie Smith.
- Still haven't registered? Online Registration closes at 4pm on Friday, 9/8 - you may register on site Sunday.
- What about our furry friends? Well behaved, leashed pets are allowed within the park.
- Worried you'll get hungry at the Walk? Visit the refreshment gazebo.
- Thirsty? Our refreshment gazebo has bottled water to quench your thirst.
Unlock ALS:
When you arrive at the walk, be sure to grab a lanyard that represents how you are connected to ALS. Curious about your color, see the chart HERE.
Spread the Word!:
Now is a great time to log in to your Participant Center or ALS Walk app to send one last text or email to friends and family and tell others about your participation in the Walk through social media. Seeing photos of you at the Walk might inspire more people to donate!
For more information, visit the Walk to Defeat ALS website
Walk Details
Grand Rapids Walk
6th Street Bridge Park
Walk Check-in: 12:00 PM
Walk Start: 2:00 PM
Participant Announcements
Message from your Coordinator
Hello everyone! My name is Jena McEwen and I'm the Director of Development for The ALS Association Michigan. In 2017, I lost my Dad to ALS and like so many of you, every year I walk in his memory and continue his fight. I am so thrilled you are joining us for the 2023 Walk to Defeat ALS Grand Rapids! We can't wait to see you all as we raise vital funds and awareness for our ALS community. Please don't hesistate to contact me if you have ANY questions or just want to chat!
The Walk will be held at 6th Street Bridge Park on Sunday, September 10, 2023!
Below are some helpful links and tips to get you started!
Walker Tools | Participant Center | Register Now
Fundraising Tools
Walker Handbook
Your go-to guide for everything Walk related. It contains interesting ideas, helpful tips, and chapter contact information.
My Walk Supporters Pledge Sheet
Print this worksheet out and keep track of your donations!
Deposit Slip
Are you mailing your donations to The ALS Association before the Walk? Help them out and fill out a deposit slip!
Fundraising tools at your fingertips
Did you know that you can raise money for this year’s Walk through Facebook? Connect your fundraising page with Facebook's Fundraising platform to easily ask for support from your network!
We've Gone Mobile!
Your fundraising has gone mobile thanks to the Walk to Defeat ALS mobile & tablet app. Now you can fundraise on the go by sending emails, monitoring your fundraising progress and updating your page.
T-Shirts
Only participants who've raised $100 will get a t-shirt. This benefit is awarded to individuals, not teams or donors, so make sure the donations to your personal fundraising record add up!
In addition to working toward one for yourself, you should spread the word to encourage your friends, family, and coworkers to earn their very own shirt.
Log into Participant Center to check your progress!
Get Social
Make sure you become of a fan of our Chapter on Facebook to receive information about fundraising contests, shout outs to outstanding teams and walkers, and important Walk Day details!