Signature Events: Walk for Kidneys
move towards a healthy future
our community, marching together
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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 $350,000 in support of research, public education, and patient services, and together we will make an incredible impact in the lives of patients and families.
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We encourage you to visit these FAQs for the most up-to-date information. Contact walk@nkfi.org or 312-321-1500 with questions or for more information.
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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.
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 Diversey Harbor, Picnic Grove 8 - between the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and North Pond - 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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Transit and Parking: Participants are strongly encouraged to take public transit to the Walk for Kidneys. Find the best route here. Free street parking is available along Cannon and Stockton streets. Parking is also available in the lot at 2431 N. Cannon St. and the garage at 345 W Fullerton Pwky. All parking is first come, first-served.
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Note: The Lincoln Park Zoo is also having their Run for the Zoo on Sunday, June 4 from 6 am to 12 pm. Fullerton Pkwy will be closed east of Stockton Dr, and Stockton Dr will be closed south of Fullerton Pkwy. You will need to enter Diversey Harbor from Diversey Parkway. There will be no parking available at the Lincoln Park Zoo.
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The Weather: Walk for Kidneys takes place rain or shine.
location & schedule
how to get here, and what to expect
Walk for Kidneys
WALK ROUTE
Diversey Harbor - Picnic Grove 8
(on Cannon Dr. between the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and North Pond)
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SUN, JUNE 4, 2023
9:00AM Registration and Check-in Begins
Glucose Screenings Begin (sponsored by Baxter)
Health Fair Begins
KIDney Zone Opens
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.
1:00PM Event Concludes
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event resources
make the most of your walk
2023 fundraising prizes
the more you raise, the more you earn*
Walk t-shirts and team banners can be picked up before or at the Walk.
All other prizes can be picked up or shipped after the Walk.
*prizes are for individual fundraising, not team totals unless otherwise noted.
raise $100+
Get the official Walk for Kidneys 2023 t-shirt!
Great goal for each team member.
raise $250+
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Keep your drinks warm or cold with this insulated tumbler. Pair it with your official Walk for Kidneys t-shirt and stay hydrated.​
raise $500+
Keep your keys, lip balm, and sunscreen close by with your stylish fanny pack. Grab your tumbler and thow on your official Walk for Kidneys t-shirt and you're ready to roll.
raise $750+
Take a weekend trip or hit the gym with this duffle bag. Grab your fanny pack, tumbler, and official Walk for Kidneys t-shirt and you'll be unstoppable.
raise $1,000+
Once you've earned your official Walk for Kidney t-shirt, tumbler, fanny pack, and duffle bag, you're going to want to sit back and relax. Make yourself a stylish cheese board or vegetable tray on this beautiful wooden Illinois cutting board.
team prize: raise $1,000+
If your team raises $1,000+ by or before 5/22/23, you'll receive a banner with your team name printed on it.
pictures from past walks
scenes from the path to health
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.
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Interested in sponsoring this event? Contact Wesley Bauer at wbauer@nkfi.org or 312-321-1500.
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