This Sunday, October 12, you can be a part of something magical at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. The CHOC “Walk in the Park” is the largest and most unique single pediatric fundraising walk event in the nation. The walk is devoted to meeting the medical needs of children in Southern California, but also kids and their families throughout the country.
Walt Disney was one of the original proponents of CHOC (Children’s Hospital of Orange County) and this is the 13th year that the walk has taken place along the story-lined streets of the Disneyland Resort.
What a park(s) to walk through.
From Disneyland Resort:
“CHOC Walkers” come together to celebrate the lives of children saved by CHOC Children’s, and to honor the memory of those children who bravely lost their battle against serious disease or illness. Nearly 800 teams are expected, and include current and former patients and families, as well as doctors, nurses and other medical professionals. Last year’s event raised $2.1 million, and since its inception 24 years ago in 1990, the Walk has raised more than $22 million.
The 2014 walk covers three miles through Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park where “CHOC Walkers” get a special peek at the magic of the Disneyland Resort before the parks open to the general public. At the end of the 5k walk, the event continues in the resort’s Downtown Disney District where event sponsors, hospital support groups, shops and restaurants have special offers for Walk participants.
“It’s spectacular to see thousands of people line Main Street, U.S.A. on an early Sunday morning to take steps – literally – in support of CHOC Children’s mission and vision,” said Kimberly Chavalas Cripe, president and CEO, CHOC Children’s. “Participants from diverse backgrounds, including individuals, school teams and corporations, are joined together by a common bond. It’s a unique experience – thanks so much to our dear friends at the Disneyland Resort, and the tremendous show of support of our sponsors is a tribute to our community. This year’s event is particularly special, as our hospital celebrates our 50th anniversary.”
“The Disneyland Resort has been a proud supporter of Children’s Hospital Orange County for the past 50 years,” said Michael Colglazier, president of the Disneyland Resort. “CHOC ‘Walk in the Park’ is a very special event for our Cast Members, and we look forward to hosting it for the 13th straight year.”
The popular event is the biggest annual fundraising effort for CHOC Children’s, a regional pediatric health care system (serving children and families in Southern California and beyond) that includes two hospitals, many primary and specialty care clinics, and four clinical centers of excellence – the CHOC Children’s Heart, Neuroscience, Orthopaedic and Hyundai Cancer Institutes. Monies raised support a variety of patient and family programs, as well as education, research and the development and adoption of the latest technologies to advance the health of patients at CHOC Children’s.
In order to help CHOC reach its goal of providing quality healthcare to the region’s two million children (and beyond), CHOC Walkers must raise a minimum of $50 to participate in the Walk. Everyone can register at www.chocwalk.org and receive up-to-date event information from the CHOC Foundation on Facebook and Twitter.
Want to see what the CHOC ‘Walk in the Park’ looks like in action? Watch this video. It’s a wonderful thing.
