Signature Events: Walk for Kidneys
move towards a healthy future
our community, marching together
The 2020 Walk for Kidneys is going VIRTUAL
The Walk for Kidneys will be going VIRTUAL for the first time. While the pandemic has cancelled many important moments in our lives, our mission to walk strong for kidney health isn't cancelled, and neither is our Walk for Kidneys! We’re inviting you to Walk Where You Are, because the people living with kidney disease need our support now, as much as ever.
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 $175,000 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.
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.
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The Route: The Walk will parade through your neighborhood, local park, forest preserve, wherever you choose!
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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. Since the event is virtual this year, you can complete the route when it's cooler or sunny - whatever you choose!
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
Event Location
WALK ROUTE
Your neighborhood, local park, forest preserve, walking trail, path - where ever you choose!
VIRTUAL CEREMONY
We'll have fun activities you won't want to miss between 10:00-11:30am. We'll be live on Facebook and Zoom with fun activities for the whole family, we'll share pictures, videos, and pay tribute to the honor and memory of all those we're walking for.
Schedule
SUN, SEPT 13, 2020
10:00am: Celebration Ceremony
10:10am: KIDney Zone Fun
10:15am: Start the Day Right Cooking Demo
10:25am: Half Way Point Water Break
10:30am: Tribute Ceremony
10:40am: Zumba Warm-Up
10:45am: Closing Ceremony
10:50am: Walk it Out!
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. Images are mockups, actual colors and finished products may look different than the images below.
raise $100+
Get the official Walk for Kidneys 2020 t-shirt! Great goal for each team member. Raise your $100 by 8/24/20 to receive your shirt in time for the Walk.
raise $250+
This cotton drawstring bag will help you carry all the giveaways and fundraising prizes.
raise $500+
Stay shaded from the summer sun in this
relaxed, adjustable cap.
raise $750+
This over-sized picnic and beach blanket is perfect for enjoying lunch with your family.
raise $1,000+
Keep your water cold or your coffee hot in this copper insulated tumbler.
team prize: raise $1,000+
If your team raises $1,000+ by or before 8/24/20, 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 Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Halfway Point Sponsor
Supporters
Day-of Exhibitor
explore more events
improving lives, improving communities
signature events
Join the NKFI at a community-building event, and help us create resources for education, patients, and families.
educational
events
Take control of your own health and connect with experts and resources at one of our free educational seminars.
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