Signature Events: Walk for Kidneys
move towards a healthy future
our community, marching together
Walk for Kidneys is a family-friendly celebration of passion and progress. This annual event is an incredible opportunity for supporters of the NKFI to come together, show their spirit, and demonstrate their determination to make a difference in the fight against kidney disease. Join other supporters of the NKFI mission for this festive three-mile walk, and help us win the race against kidney disease. With your assistance, we'll raise approximately $200,000 in support of research, public education, and patient services, and together we will make an incredible impact in the lives of patients and families.
We encourage you to visit these FAQs for the most up-to-date information. Contact Allie Widmer at walk@nkfi.org or 312-321-1500 with questions or for more information.
In conjunction with the Chicago Park District, the NKFI will follow the guidelines for the current phase according to the City’s “Protecting Chicago” framework which can be found here. The District strongly urges patrons to take precautions to protect their health and the safety of others while in their parks. Face coverings are required at all times, unless an exception is specified in the guidance.
event details & overview
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Registration: It is free to register for Walk for Kidneys. If you'd like to participate, we encourage you to make a donation or organize a fundraising effort as a sign of your commitment to kidney health, research, and education. You can fundraise as part of a team or as an individual, and we've made it easy for you to share your effort on social media, so you can introduce your friends and family to our work. Q&As for the day.
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The Route: The Walk steps off from Montrose Beach and we'll walk along beautiful Lake Michigan. Map.
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The Pace: Even thought the route is roughly equivalent in length to a 5K, you should expect to embark on an easy-going stroll, rather than an athletic foot-race. Plan to take your time, and enjoy your teammates' company.
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Families and Pets: Involve the whole family - of all ages and species! Just be sure to pack a few poop bags (or diapers!) and water for everyone.
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The Weather: Walk for Kidneys takes place rain or shine.
register here
Ready to sign up?
Click below to begin registering as part of a team, or an an individual.
sponsor the event
Want to support?
Click below to review all of the sponsorship opportunities.
fundraise virtually
Still on lockdown?
No problem! We brainstormed a bunch of ways to raise money while you stay safe at home.
location & schedule
how to get here, and what to expect
In-Person Event
WALK ROUTE
Montrose Harbor
SUN, JUNE 27, 2021
9:00AM Registration and Check-in Begins
Glucose Screenings Begin (sponsored by
Baxter)
Health Fair Begins
Receive a 'passport' at registration with all the Walk's sponsor logos. Visit each sponsor's tent and get that logo checked off. Once your entire passport is completed, visit the stage to be entered to win a prize! Winner will be called at Closing Ceremony.
KIDney Zone Opens
Watch a performance from our bilingual balloon artist/magician (will be present 8:45-10:15 am) Don't forget to enter in our coloring/drawing contest. To enter find a volunteer in the KIDney Zone tent. Winners will receive a prize!
9:45AM Program begins on stage
Zumba/Yoga Class
10:00AM Walk for Kidneys steps off
11:30AM Closing Celebration
Shout Out to Top Fundraising Team and Participants
T-Shirt Contest
Create a Walk shirt by yourself or with your team. Wear your t-shirt(s) at the event and show off your creation. During the closing ceremony one person from each t-shirt group will be asked to come to the stage. Winner will be decided on audience applause.
Raffle Drawing
Raffle winner will be drawn from completed sponsor passports (must be present to win!)
1:00PM Event Concludes
Virtual Event
WALK ROUTE
Wherever you like! Try for 3 miles but you're welcome to walk for as long or as little as you feel comfortable.
SUN, JUNE 27, 2021
9:00AM Virtual Walk begins online
Participant Stories
Hear from top participants about why they walk and why they're passionate about NKFI's mission
Healthy Recipe Demonstration
Step-by-step video of a kidney-friendly recipe from Foundation Dietitian Dr. Melissa Prest to help you start our Walk day off right.
KIDney Zone
Download coloring book pages and tag @NKFIllinois so we can see your masterpiece!
Tribute Ceremony
Honor your loved one and let us know why you walk. Complete the form and attach a screenshot of your $25 donation. We'll create a tribute sign for you that will be displayed during the virtual Walk for Kidneys ceremony and shared to the event Facebook page. Be sure to include an email address you check regularly. We'll send your sign to you prior to the Walk for approval.
9:45AM LIVE Opening Ceremony
Zumba/Yoga Class
10:00AM Walk for Kidneys steps off
Take lots of photos and tag @NKFIllinois and use #WalkForKidneys
event resources
make the most of your walk
Get fun ideas for creative fundraising in the age of social distancing. The more you raise, the more you earn!
(See prizes below)
Create a Facebook Fundraiser, Instagram donation box, and learn more about applying those donations to your total.
Fill out the blank section with your team information and share, print, or email to your friends, family and co-workers.
Need helping getting your squad set up? Check out this handy, step-by-step tutorial and you'll be up and running in no time.
Signing up with an existing team is simple. Just use this guide, follow the prompts, and before you know it: you'll be ready to go, go, go.
Need some inspiration to help you reach your fundraising goals? This informative handout will take you through sign up, and get you prepped.
fundraising prizes
the more you raise, the more you earn*
*prizes are for individual fundraising, not team totals unless otherwise noted.
raise $500+
Stay hydrated and sleek with this collapsible water bottle. Throw on your sunglasses and official Walk for Kidneys t-shirt and you're ready to roll.
raise $750+
Whether you're hitting the beach or just chillin' in your backyard, you'll want this wireless speaker close by. Grab your water bottle, sunglasses and official Walk for Kidneys t-shirt and make a day of it.
raise $1,000+
Once you've earned your official Walk for Kidney t-shirt, sunglasses, water bottle, and wireless speaker, you're going to need something slick to carry it all around. Weekend trips and picnics will be a breeze with this roomy rucksack.
team prize: raise $1,000+
If your team raises $1,000+ by or before 6/16/21, you'll receive a banner with your team name printed on it.
pictures from past walks
scenes from the path to health
2019
Gallery
2018
Gallery
2017
Gallery
2016
Gallery
GIVE THE GIFT OF A SECOND CHANCE
walk for kidneys sponsors
pushing us towards the finish line
The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois wouldn't be able to impact the lives of patients, families, and communities without the help of our dedicated, Walk for Kidneys sponsors.
Interested in sponsoring this event? Review the 2021 sponsorship packet or contact Allie Widmer at walk@nkfi.org or 312-321-1500.
Presenting Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsors
Supporters
Day-of Exhibitors
Food Tent Sponsor
Restroom Sponsor
explore more events
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educational
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professional
programs
Learn from leaders in the field and deepen your understanding of CKD at an NKFI professional development day.
THANKS FOR FUELING OUR FUTURE