ABOUT WALK TO HOPE 2025 CAMPAIGN
 
 
Spark the Journey
 
This Spring, we embark on a new chapter as Boys Hope Girls Hope becomes Hope Ignites—a name that embodies our mission to spark lasting change and opportunity. To celebrate this milestone, our scholars will pass the torch from city to city as we unite for the 5th Annual Walk to Hope, a virtual journey like no other. Fuel the fire of hope by challenging your friends, family, colleagues, and teammates to log the most miles and raise the most funds for a cause that’s changing lives.
 
Together, we’ll journey through network, discovering incredible young people who are overcoming obstacles, finding their purpose, and achieving their dreams. As you reach each city, explore the Spark the Journey video series, produced by documentary filmmaker Timmy Vatterott. These powerful videos will be released as you progress, highlighting the stories of our affiliates and showcasing the spirit of hope and transformation driving our community forward.
 
The path our scholars and collegians take is long and transformative—starting in their teenage years and continuing as they pursue careers they are passionate about. When you support Walk to Hope, you help these remarkable individuals move mountains, one step at a time.
 
Ready to Spark the Journey? Step forward. Make a difference.
 
When
Registration: March 15 through April 30, 2025
The Walk: May 1 to 31, 2025
 
The Goal
Our collective goal is to walk 20K miles and raise $100,000!
 
Individuals
Invite your family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues to take part in the or donate to your fundraiser by sponsoring you! Designate your funds to the Boys Hope Girls Hope Network or your local affiliate.
 
Registration:
Individual: $35 per participant
Sponsor One or More Scholars: $100*
 
 
How to Be a Successful Fundraiser
 
To be successful as an individual fundraiser in the Walk to Hope, start by registering for the event and setting a mileage goal and fundraising goal that challenges you and your network. The more specific and ambitious you are, the better.
 
Next, make a list of potential supporters, including family, friends, co-workers, and classmates, and plan to reach out to them through emails, texts, and social media posts – sharing your page and encouraging them to support your goal.
 
It’s important to engage this network at least three times throughout the walk: once at the beginning, once in the middle, and again near the end. By providing regular updates on your progress—both with your mileage and fundraising—you keep people connected to your journey and remind them to donate.
 
With consistent outreach and enthusiasm, you'll not only meet your fundraising goal but also inspire others to get involved.
 
 
Incentives and Giveaway:
 
All Walkers
Hope Ignites commemorative socks!
 
Prizes & Recognition
 
  • Prizes and Finish Line Party recognition awarded to:
 
  • Individual High Stepper: Individual atop of the Charity Footprint Leaderboard for the most miles logged.
 
  • Individual Mover & Shaker – Runners/Walkers: Individual atop of the Charity Footprint Leaderboard for most funds raised.
 
  • Individual Mover & Shaker – Bikers: Individual biker atop of the Charity Footprint Leaderboard for most funds raised.
 
  • Team High Stepper: Team atop of the Charity Footprint Leaderboard for the most miles logged.
 
  • Team Mover & Shaker: Team atop of the Charity Footprint Leaderboard for most funds raised.
 
  • Top Scholar: The Hope Ignites Scholar atop of the Charity Footprint Leaderboard for the most miles logged.
 
  • Top Scholar Team: The Hope Ignites Scholar Team atop of the Charity Footprint Leaderboard for the most miles logged.
 
FITNESS GOAL
COMPLETED: 0 miles
TARGET: 20,000 miles
FUNDRAISING GOAL
RAISED: $ 1,910
TARGET: $ 100,000
You must go on adventures to find out where you truly belong. ~ Sue Fitzmaurice
Come join us and leave your footprints to support Hope Ignites!
HOW IT WORKS
Register for the campaign and set your fitness & fundraising targets.
Share your story and raise funds & awareness.
Track workouts anywhere & anytime and complete goal.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
HOPE IGNITES
Boys Hope Girls Hope nurtures and guides motivated young people in need to become well-educated, career-ready men and women for others.

Our Network:

Baltimore • Chicago • Cincinnati • Colorado • Detroit • Guatemala • Mexico • New Orleans • New York • Northeastern Ohio • Phoenix • Pittsburgh • Southern California • St. Louis • Network Headquarters

Read more about the organization >>

HOW YOUR PARTICIPATION HELPS
I’m passionate about Hope Ignites and the incredible impact it has on young people’s lives.

That’s why I’m stepping forward to support the scholars, collegians, and alumni who are working hard to overcome obstacles, grow in character, and achieve their goals—whether that’s in middle school, high school, college, or launching their careers.

Please join me in supporting this cause. Together, we can help these young people unlock their potential and create brighter futures for themselves, their families, and their communities. Your support truly makes all the difference.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Charity Footprints?

Charity Footprints is a social enterprise that connects fitness and charitable giving. We empower people just like you, to get fit & give back.

Our Virtual Races allow non-profits to challenge their patrons to run, walk or ride and raise funds just as they would in a fundraising walkathon. The best part - charities save over 45% in event and logistical costs. So, the dollars that you pay to register or fundraise, go farther.

What is the campaign registration fee?

Campaign registration fee is the amount that you'll need to pay to enroll in this virtual race. This fee (less transaction charges) will go to the non-profit running this campaign as a donation.

The registration fee along with the funds raised through your individual fundraising page will enable the non-profit to fund various programs and pursue their organization's mission.

How can I create my fundraising page?

Well, you wouldn't have to create a separate fundraising page. Once you register for this campaign, we'll give you the link to your fundraising page.

How will I track my distance?

You can track your workouts by setting up your devices (Fitbit, Garmin, Apple Watch, Health Connect By Android, Misfit, Strava), or download the Charity Footprints' iOS or Android app and track your workouts toward this campaign. ?>

If you workout indoors (treadmill, elliptical, stationary bike etc.), you can upload your workouts here.

How do I join a team on this campaign?

While registering for the campaign, select the team you'd like to join or create a new team and invite others to #GetFitGiveBack with you. If you want to join a team (or create your team) after registration, login to the campaign site and you would find a link to edit "My Team" in the menu under your profile in the header.

I am an international donor (non-US), what are my donation charges and tax-deductibility?

All donations are made in US dollars, so the donations may be levied an exchange rate fee via your bank. Donors will want to connect with their bank to determine exactly what that fee may be. Additionally, international donors will need to reach out to a tax professional to discuss if and how tax deductibility will apply to their donation.

Who can sponsor my fundraising efforts?

The short answer is - everyone. The fundraising research shows that the number one reason for people not donating is that they weren't asked to.

That said, there are things you can do to attract people to sponsor you. Adding a picture to your fundraising page, telling potential donors why this cause is so personal to you, sharing your fundraising page on social media, email, and chat groups.

Last, if your employer has a gift matching program, check with the human resources department to support your favorite cause as well.

Who can I contact if I need help?

You can contact us any time if you need help. We love hearing from our users so please don't hesitate to write to us about issues, suggestions, or to just say hi. You can also contact the non-profit administrator directly if you would like.

How do I change or switch my team?

If you want to join a team (or create your team) after registration, login to the campaign site and you would find a link to edit "My Team" in the menu under your profile in the header.