ALIVE! will host its 44th Annual StepALIVE! Walkathon on Sunday at George Washington Middle School, 1005 Mount Vernon Ave. The event aims to raise $100,000 for families facing food and housing insecurity.
Registration opens at 12:30 p.m., with the walk starting at 2 p.m. A celebration with music, prizes, and frozen custard from Goodies will follow.
This year’s event features two new routes: a 5K through Del Ray and a 5-mile route through Old Town. Participants can also enjoy live music, snacks, and family activities.
“Every person who registers, donates, or spreads the word is taking a step toward helping others toward stability and hope for someone else,” said Jennifer Ayers, ALIVE!’s executive director. “StepALIVE! is what community care looks like in motion.”
More than 70 businesses, congregations, civic organizations, and individuals have signed on as sponsors, led by Blaszkow Legal and the McNeil Family Foundation.
Michelle Lockwood, ALIVE!’s development director, said the strong turnout reflects community priorities despite economic uncertainty.
“To still receive this much support when people and organizations are tightening their budgets really shows that helping neighbors in need remains a top priority and that ALIVE!’s work is essential,” Lockwood said.
Alfred Street Baptist Church, an ALIVE! member congregation and top sponsor, is fielding one of this year’s teams.
“Alfred Street has always believed that faith must be lived out through service,” said Carlton Willis, ALIVE!’s board president and Alfred Street member. “StepALIVE! gives us a visible, joyful way to show what it means to love our neighbors.”
Proceeds will fund groceries, emergency financial assistance for rent, utilities, and medical bills, furniture deliveries, and navigation support for families working to regain stability.
ALIVE!, founded in 1969, serves more than 20,000 people monthly through its network of 50 member congregations and hundreds of volunteers.
Those interested can register or donate at www.alive-inc.org/stepalive. Volunteer opportunities are available at www.alive-inc.org.
