While the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation can’t conduct its signature fundraising Take Steps walk live in the Southfield City Centre this summer, it is reserving June 20 for a fun virtual walk with everyone invited to participate.
On June 20 at 12 noon, 53 communities across the country will combine efforts in a virtual walk to raise awareness and funds to support research into the causes, treatments and cures of Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). This virtual walk event will take place on Facebook Live, with no Facebook account necessary to participate.
All participants can access the Take Steps Facebook page to connect with fellow walkers, learn more about events and get tips for fundraising. Or connect directly with the Southeast Michigan Take Steps event by searching “Southeast Michigan Take Steps + Virtual 2020” on Facebook. No matter where you are, you can help the Southeast Michigan Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation reach its fundraising goal of $185,000.
“We know that IBD doesn’t quit, especially during this time when it’s even more challenging. We are here to serve our Michigan communities,” says Sarah Arminiak, manager for fundraising campaigns & volunteer engagement at the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Michigan Chapter.
“Now is the time to come together to support one another and focus on a time filled with positivity and community and now more than ever we need the continued support of our volunteers and community to keep moving forward! We sincerely hope that our supporters will walk virtually with us, from wherever they are. We’re all in the this fight together, and only together can we find cures for IBD!”
The 2019 event was the second year Take Steps was held in the Southfield City Centre. The 2.6 mile loop made good use of Southfield’s City Centre Trail, a larger shared-use path that makes getting around the City Centre enjoyable and safe. The extra-wide path encourages event participants to walk side-by-side, even include a wagon or stroller, and the placement of benches allows walkers to take a rest when they need to. The Southfield City Centre is pleased to support the event, even if it won’t take place live on the City Centre Trail this year.
Locally, the Southeast Michigan Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation will host a kickoff event just prior to the official virtual walk on June 20. Starting at 11:30, participants can hear from local honored heroes and local medical experts about the critical importance of supporting research and raising awareness about ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
Want to know more?
- Attend the virtual Kickoff Rally on Saturday, May 30 at 12 noon to learn just how the Take Steps virtual walk will work.
- Visit the Michigan Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation at crohnscolitisfoundation.org/chapters/michigan.
- Register at cctakesteps.org/southeastmichigan2020.
- Or contact Sarah Arminiak, manager for fundraising campaigns & volunteer engagement
at sarminiak@crohnscolitisfoundation.org.
