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.

 

Six 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.

  1. Sign up. Register to walk or roll with us on May 15 and be part of this community event. The registration fee helps cover the costs of organizing the event and ensures that more of the funds raised go directly toward supporting Alaskans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  2. Donate. Every donation—big or small—helps provide essential care and support for children and adults with disabilities in Alaska. Your contribution will directly fund Hope's program that keeps families together and ensures children receive the services they need close to home.
  3. Fundraise. Take your support a step further by raising funds for the cause. Raise $100 or more and receive a free commemorative Walk & Roll for Hope t-shirt. Raise $200 or more and receive your choice of either a t-shirt of a free commemorative hoodie. Raise $300 or more and receive both! Plus, for every $100 you raise by noon on Friday, May 2, you will receive an entry into a drawing for two round-trip tickets to any destination Alaska Airlines flies. View our Fundraising Toolkit for tips on how to maximize your fundraising efforts.
  4. Volunteer. Be a part of the team that makes this event possible! We need volunteers to help with event setup, registration, route support, and more. Volunteering is a great way to support our mission, connect with the community, and be part of something meaningful. Contact our Event Coordinator, Cyndi Ramirez, to learn more and sign up.
  5. Sponsor. We offer a range of sponsorship opportunities that allow businesses and organizations to demonstrate their commitment to inclusion and increase their visibility in our community. As a sponsor, you'll receive special recognition, promotional benefits, and the knowledge that your benevolence directly enhances essential programs and services for Alaskans with disabilities.
  6. Share. Multiply your impact by encouraging your friends and family to join you. Whether they walk, roll, donate, or cheer from the sidelines, every participant strengthens our community and helps spread awareness about the importance of inclusive services in Alaska.

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.

 

 

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.

 

Every step, every roll, and every dollar counts!
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 [email protected].

 

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!

Yes, registration costs $35 per participants age 18 and older, $25 for participants between ages 11 and 17, and children 10 and under can register for free. The registration fee helps cover the costs of organizing the event and ensures that more of the funds raised go directly toward supporting Alaskans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Absolutely! The Walk & Roll for Hope welcomes everyone in and around the Anchorage community, and the route is fully accessible for individuals of all abilities.

Yes! The Walk & Roll for Hope is a family-friendly event. Parents should register first and then sign up their children. Youth of all ages are encouraged to participate and fundraise. Registration fees apply to participants ages 11 and up.

Yes! Friendly dogs on a leash are welcome. All dogs must remain leashed for the duration of the Walk, be up-to-date on vaccinations, and be well-behaved. Please bring waste bags to clean up after your pet.

Funds raised in each region (including the registration fee) stay within that region to provide vital resources, such as secure, affordable housing and essential community living support. This year, all funds will specifically help keep children with disabilities in Alaska, ensuring they receive the care and services they need at home rather than being sent to out-of-state institutions.

During the registration process, you will have the option to start or join a team. Fundraising participants can also set up a personal fundraising page.

Yes! On-site registration will be available on the day of each event. However, we strongly recommend pre-registering to save time and ensure a smooth check-in process.

No problem! You can register online as a fundraiser even if you cannot participate in person. You will still qualify for fundraising incentives.

In Anchorage, the main course is just over three miles (5k), but participants can walk, run, or roll as long or short as they would like.

Yes! Complimentary food and refreshments will be provided during and after the walk. In-kind vendors and sponsors will also be offering additional food for purchase.

  • Log in to your fundraising dashboard using your username and password.
  • Select "Donations" from the sidebar.
  • Click "Enter donations of cash and checks."
  • Enter the donor's information and donation amount.
  • The amount will be added to your fundraising total. Cash and checks must be submitted to Hope along with a pledge form or sponsor sheet before or on the day of the walk to be credited.

Please make checks payable to "Hope Community Resources" and mail them or drop them off at any Hope office. All contributions are tax deductible, and Hope Community Resources' tax ID number is 92-0036594.

Yes! Check out our Fundraising Toolkit for guidance on how to maximize your fundraising efforts.

There is ample free street parking near the event location, as well as paid parking options nearby. Click here for a parking map.

 

 

 
Thank you to our event sponsors!