The National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota's 43rd Annual Walk for Opportunity will take place on September 7, 2024. Our primary 5K route will be in Rochester, around Cascade Lake. We also warmly welcome the participation of walkers on routes in other parts of the state who may be unable to join the larger group. This is our state organization's largest fund raiser. We hope everyone can participate by walking the Cascade Lake route on September 7, but there is also plenty of room for everyone to help, whether or not you walk. Several businesses will also provide support for this event, and we will share more information about this soon. Please read on for details of the walk, and be sure to complete the online entry form if you plan to participate.

The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States. We know that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. Our collective power, determination, and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.

Basics of the Walk for Opportunity

Federationists from around the state will gather at the designated starting point on Saturday, September 7, in time for our opening ceremony at 10:30 AM. The opening ceremony will take place at the lake and will also be available via the Zoom platform. After that, we'll walk, wheel, run, bike, and otherwise move forward for 5 kilometers along the beautiful lake route! As in previous walks, there will be designated non-walkers to make sure everyone has what they need. Participants will gather at the end for lunch and a wrap-up ceremony to hear the results of our walk and for other fun activities!

How Contributors can Donate

All participants in the Walk for Opportunity should plan to raise at least $25.00. This is a great way for friends, family members, coworkers, and any others to help support what we do. Your contributors may donate in the following ways:

• Make a donation online at www.nfbmn.org (click on "Donate" . To credit the donation to a walker, the contributor should check the box to "Add a Dedication" and then type the walk participant's name and Walk for Opportunity in the field.;
• Send a check, made out to the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota, to:
  National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota
  100 East 22nd Street
  Minneapolis, MN 55404
  (the donor should include a note with the walker's name and the words “Walk for Opportunity").;
• Send it via PayPal to info.nfbmn@gmail.com;
• Give it to a walk participant in-hand, to be turned in the day of the walk.

We have PDF fliers available to assist Federationists with soliciting donations. The flier explains all about the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota and how to contribute to the Walk for Opportunity. We also have sample emails available in case you'd like to send out emails to those you know to request donations. If you would like some of the fliers or to receive a sample e-mail, contact Jennifer Dunnam.

Online or mailed-in donations will be most convenient, but we know that many of the contributions for the walk are sometimes presented in-person on the day of the walk, and that is still more than welcome!

Register to Participate

Each person participating in the Walk for Opportunity should sign up as soon as possible but no later than August 24 by filling out our online entry form. The form will ask for your name, email, phone number, whether you need a new walk t-shirt this year and what size, lunch choice, emergency contact, if you'll be a walker or help another way, and if you know of a business that might like to sponsor. It is important to read all information and instructions on the form. Feel free to call (612) 872-9363 if you need help completing the form.

Lunch for Participants

The Rochester chapter will serve lunch for $12. The lunch will include a sandwich, chips, fruit and a cookie. Your choices are: roast beef, ham, turkey, veggie sandwich, tuna salad and egg salad. Cheese, condiments, lettuce and tomatoes will be add-ons. You can pay for your lunch on the online form.

Bus from Metro

For those leaving from the metro area, a bus will depart from a designated starting point at 8:30 AM. Make your reservation for the bus when you sign up for the walk. A donation to help pay for the bus ($20 suggested) will be gladly accepted and can also be made when you register online.

Social Media

Facebook and other social media platforms can also be a great way to spread the word about this fund raiser and bring in on-line donations. We will have an event set up on our Facebook page, so you can join and share it on your own Facebook profile, as well as direct people to links to the event via your status. #NFBMNWalk24

One More Thing

As you know, we in the NFB of Minnesota work hard to protect the rights and further opportunities for blind people of all ages. Even if you are unable to walk with us, please seek out those donations from friends and acquaintances, or make a donation yourself. We need the help of all our members to make this year's Walk for Opportunity as successful as ever! Join the fun on September 7 as we work together to raise funds and visibility for the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota.