Walk & Roll for Hope | Thursday, May 15, 2025

 
You're invited to our annual
Walk & Roll for Hope
Thursday, May 15  |  6:00pm - 8:30pm
Delaney Park Strip, Anchorage
 

 

Register for the Walk Donate Become a Sponsor Share on Social Media

 

 

The 2025 Walk & Roll for Hope

The Walk & Roll for Hope is an annual tradition that unites our community in support of Alaskans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Join us for this iconic event featuring scenic routes, music, food, games, and family fun—all while making a meaningful difference in people's lives.

This year’s theme, "Hope Starts Here," highlights the importance of keeping children with disabilities and complex medical needs in Alaska rather than being sent out-of-state to institutions. By participating, you are helping to create a future where every child can receive the care and support they need right here in Alaska—their home.

 

Anchorage event details

 

What's New for 2025?

This year, we're making some exciting changes to the Walk & Roll for Hope. For the first time, the event will take place on a Thursday evening instead of the traditional first Saturday in May, allowing participants to enjoy better spring weather. Additionally, we're bringing a new 'Taste of Anchorage' experience to the Walk route! During and after the Walk, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy delicious treats from some of Anchorage’s best local restaurants such as Humpy's Great Alaskan Alehouse and Spenard Roadhouse.

 

Ways you can support the Walk & Roll for Hope

We rely on your participation to provide necessary funds to support Alaskans who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, or mental health challenges. Join Hope on Thursday, May 15, as we celebrate the strides made over the past 55 years and renew our commitment to a future where all Alaskans with disabilities have full access to the supports and services necessary to lead meaningful lives.

 

The impact of your support

Reaching our fundraising goal of $75,000 will make a significant impact in keeping children with complex medical needs in Alaska by funding essential services, resources, and advocacy efforts. This amount will help fund in-home care, therapy, and specialized medical equipment that allows children to remain with their families rather than being placed in out-of-state institutions. It will allow Hope to invest in training for local direct support professionals to support children with complex needs. It will help to develop local residential and support programs to prevent the need for out-of-state placement. And it will strengthen our efforts to improve policies and secure additional funding to create long-term solutions for keeping families together in Alaska.

 

 

Get your Walk & Roll swag!

The Walk for Hope Store is officially open—and it’s time to get your swag! Purchase commemorative t-shirts and hoodies showcasing this year's graphic custom-designed by one of our former supervisors in Kenai, Whitney Clark, just for this year’s Walk.

Whether you’re participating in the event by walking, rolling, or cheering from the sidelines, wearing your Walk & Roll for Hope apparel is a great way to show your commitment to inclusion and support for Alaskans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Every shirt and hoodie you wear helps raise awareness about the importance of inclusive services for people with disabilities across Alaska. Your purchase directly supports our initiative to keep children with disabilities and complex medical conditions in Alaska.

T-shirts are $25 and hoodies are $40, so head to our store and get yours today! Orders will be available for pickup at the Walk on May 15, at our main office after the event, or can be shipped right to your door.

Purchase your Swag

 

History of the Walk

Prior to Alaska's statehood, people who experienced intellectual or developmental disabilities faced limited services and, in some cases, involuntary institutionalization. By 1942, more than 2,000 Alaskans—including very young children—were living at Morningside Hospital in Oregon, separated from their families, homes, and communities. The first Walk for Hope was a pivotal moment in Alaska’s history, bringing nearly 4,000 people together to advocate for children with disabilities to return home from out-of-state institutions. More than five decades later—while a lot of progress has been made—the Walk for Hope continues as an annual reminder of the ongoing work still to be done.

As long as even one person with a disability has to wait for services, as long as one child in need of support is sent out of state due to lack of local resources, and as long as accessibility barriers persist, Hope will continue to walk (and roll) to raise funds to meet those needs.

 

Let’s walk. Let’s roll. Let’s rally together—because hope starts right here in Alaska!
Register for the Walk Donate Become a Sponsor Share on Social Media

 

Questions? View our Frequently Asked Questions, or contact our event coordinator, Cyndi Ramirez, at 907-433-4910 or walkforhope@hopealaska.org.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

We know you may have questions about the Walk & Roll for Hope, and we’re here to help. Whether you're wondering about registration, fundraising, event details, or how your participation makes a difference, we've got you covered. Below, you'll find answers to the most commonly asked questions about the event. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out—we're happy to assist!

 

 

 
Thank you to our event sponsors!