Spring is in the air and there is renewed energy in our step and outlook. It’s great timing because we are about a month away from The All Together Now Festival, Celebrating LifePath’s 30th Annual Walkathon, scheduled for Saturday, May 7, at 101 Munson Street in Greenfield from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This event will continue to be LifePath’s largest fundraiser of the year, but with a twist. Looking back on 30 years of bringing the community together (and 47 years of providing programs and services to keep people living as independently as possible), we feel particularly grateful for the ways we work with other organizations, businesses, and individuals to fulfill our mission.
The truth is, with community collaboration, each day we are able to provide more. Together we offer more opportunities to make aging in place a reality; combat isolation and loneliness; and give access to critical resources like nutrition, housing, in-home care, healthcare, and information. We depend on each other so that community members can depend on us.
As the details come together, know that it’s not too late to become a sponsor, start a fundraising team, participate as a community partner, or plan to be with us.
These are some of the reasons that sponsors and teams are springing into action for The All Together Now Festival. We are proud to report that sponsorships are approaching pre-pandemic levels. Not only is this good for LifePath and those we serve, but it’s an indicator that businesses are on stronger footing and feeling confident now and about the future, which is great for our community. Thank you, sponsors!
We are thrilled that new teams have formed, and previously engaged teams are at work again. To recognize the effort of fundraisers, t-shirts will be given to those who fundraise $100 or more as an individual fundraiser or team member. Whether you use a personalized online giving link (ask me to set one up for you!) that tallies as you go, or keep track on the paper tally sheet, for every $100 you raise, you get a t-shirt! Earn them for yourself, your teammates, your family, or your favorite donor! T-shirts will also be available for purchase on event day.
If you have been thinking about forming a team, check out our video on Facebook to see how simple it is. If you are a seasoned team member, what are your pro tips? Post them on our Facebook page referencing “Walkathon Pro Tip.” Sharing your insights is a great example of a collaborative gesture and has an impact on the event’s greater success. Please share!
We’ve invited community partners to be with us. If you are an agency or individual that LifePath works with to provide support services, please consider joining us on event day. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase how we collaborate to make our communities great places to grow older together.
On event day, walkers will be making their way around a 1/10 mile loop in our North Parking Lot. Inside that loop will be informational tables showcasing LifePath programs and services, as well as tables representing community partners. Have you ever experienced reiki? How much do you know about good nutrition? Are you a scavenger hunt whiz? These are just a few ways you will be able to engage with all that is happening inside the walking loop.
Local performers are part of the day’s line-up and will be here as part of the festivities. A menu of free and for purchase food items is coming together. You will be able to try your luck at winning a 50/50 raffle. Good-natured, leashed dogs are welcome to walk. In future The Good Life articles, a more detailed schedule of events will be shared.
As the details come together, know that it’s not too late to become a sponsor, start a fundraising team, participate as a community partner, or plan to be with us. We extend a special invitation to community members—yes, YOU—to attend the event to walk and learn why this community is a great one in which to grow older. Find information on LifePath’s website, or reach out to me with questions or ideas.
On a broader note, our hope is that people with needs will call LifePath at 413-773-5555 whether they know exactly what they want or aren’t sure where to turn. Supporting individuals through the pandemic has allowed LifePath to identify, create, and expand programs to respond to new and unaddressed needs while continuing existing programming and services. We are about to launch an amazing group of new programs that thoughtfully address what people really need. What you can expect is that we will listen first, then work to connect you or your loved one with the most appropriate solutions, which may include collaboration with another organization.
Feel the energy that is leading us toward this year’s celebration, and come and enjoy it on Saturday, May 7.
