The Hike for Hope Goes Virtual!

The Virtual Hike for Hope will go down in history as our most memorable yet!

For more than 20 years, our dedicated volunteers, sponsors, and friends have been coming together every May to Hike for Hope (Hike or Bike in years past) in support of Family Promise and our programs empowering working families who are homeless. When the COVID-19 outbreak began, we quickly made the decision to go forward with the Hike for Hope–virtually!

Even in this unchartered territory, individuals and sponsors signed on, teams were formed, and fundraising began! Our generous sponsors are Freedom Bank, Sharp, TD Bank, and Visions Federal Credit Union–all of whom came back again as sponsors, even though they knew they could not physically have a presence at the event. In the weeks leading up to the big day on May 17th, teams connected virtually via social media for fundraising contests and digital challenges, sharing photos, and reaching out to friends and family to support their upcoming Hike. As more and more got involved and funds came in, it was clear that not even a global pandemic could stop Family Promise’s amazing supporters!

On Sunday, May 17th, we kicked off the big day on Zoom with a welcome from Kate Duggan and a dance party with DJ Scott Reddin, who has been spinning tunes, rain or shine, at the Hike for Hope for the past five years. Everyone was sent forth with instructions to complete their 3-mile Hike any way they pleased–as long as they were safely practicing social distancing and wearing a face cover when appropriate. Hikers walked in their neighborhoods, in parks, or on the treadmill, went for a hike on a nature trail, or counted steps around the house–apart from their team members but also together in spirit and in support of Family Promise and those we serve.

It was a record year, with 23 teams raising $33,000, exceeding our goal of $30,000. Top fundraisers are posted on our website. We are grateful and astounded by our extraordinary supporters who, year after year, do not let anything stop them–not rain, nor cold, nor COVID-19–from going the extra mile (or 3) for Family Promise. Thank you!