FAQs
First and foremost, we want your family to feel safe and comfortable. If there is anything we can do to make this happen for you and your family, please reach out to us at awalkforjoy2024@gmail.com. This event isn't about us, it is about YOU and celebrating the JOY of our wonderful kids!
WHAT'S THE SCHEDULE FOR THE DAY OF THE EVENT?
*9AM : Walk check-in opens (you can arrive any time between 9-10am)
10AM: Welcome and TOP 3 Fundraisers and TOP 3 Teams Announcement on the stage
**10:15AM: A Walk For Joy begins
We will be walking 1.36 miles in honor of the 1 in 36 children diagnosed each year with autism. You can walk, run, jump, or just sit back and watch! The walk will take place inside Symphony Park with lots of volunteers available to help with any kids that may like to adventure around.
*after checking in, you can visit the vendor tables, shop the Channing's Joy merchandise tent, enjoy a cup of coffee, and slide down the bouncy slide!
**after the walk the vendor tables and merch tent will be open as well as the bouncy slide for kids.
HOW DO I BUY AN "OFFICIAL" WALK SHIRT?
Official Channing's Joy x Peace Love Autism walk shirts are available for purchase HERE. You do not have to purchase a shirt to walk!
Shirts are no longer available for purchase as of March 30. We will have shirts at the walk that you can purchase!
WHEN WILL I GET MY SHIRT?
If you purchase a shirt and pay for shipping, it will be shipped directly to you within a week of the walk. Shirts are PREORDER so will not be shipping out right away. If you choose LOCAL PICK UP at check out, you will receive an email when your shirt is available for pick up in Concord. If you want to pick up your shirt at the walk, choose LOCAL PICK UP and we will bring it to the walk! You will be able to pick it up at the Channing's Joy merchandise tent.
CAN I WALK VIRTUALLY?
You can register to walk with us virtually if you're not local to Charlotte! Click here to register to walk virtually. You can also create a walk group of your local friends and family and walk "with" us from afar! Don't forget to buy a shirt if you want to rep while you walk!
IS REGISTRATION FREE?
Yes, it's completely FREE to register and attend the walk! If you want to purchase a T-shirt, we encourage you to, but it is not required.
ARE STROLLERS AND WAGONS ALLOWED?
Yes! Feel free to bring your child in whatever they feel the most comfortable in for the walk. The park has both grass areas and paved. The path for the actual walk is paved.
CAN I BRING MY DOG?
Yes! Dogs are allowed as long as they are on a leash. Please bring your own dog bowls and water for your pet. Don't forget to clean up after them!
I CAN'T MAKE THE WALK. HOW ELSE CAN I SUPPORT?
You can make a donation to The Channing's Joy Foundation by clicking here. You can also purchase a T-shirt here! Sharing the event with friends is always a great way to support.
WHERE DO I PARK?
There will be parking available at Symphony Park and SouthPark Mall between the park and Dick's Sporting Goods.
HOW DO I JOIN A TEAM?
Click here to join an existing team, or to create your own team! Your team can fundraise if you choose and there will be a prize for the TOP 3 FUNDRAISING TEAMS! You do not have to join a team to walk or to raise money. You can do so as an individual!
DO I NEED TO REGISTER MY KIDS FOR THE WALK?
Yes, all participants over the age of 11 months should be registered using the registration link here. You can add registrants to your registration when you sign up! Each participant needs to have a waiver on file which is why we require everyone to be registered.
CAN I REGISTER DAY-OF?
Since you will need to sign a waiver to walk, please register online prior to the event. You'll be given an electronic ticket sent to your email so that you can easily check-in on walk day. We want to minimize any waiting in line!
WHAT WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE EVENT?
The food truck, "Donutiloveu" will be on site with coffee and donuts available to purchase. Each family will receive a complimentary snack box to share. Bananas, apples and water will also be complimentary at the event. A bouncy slide will be available for KIDS ONLY as well as vendor tables and a Channing's Joy merchandise tent!
WILL THERE BE RESTROOMS ON-SITE?
Yes, we have rented portable restrooms and hand-washing stations.
DO I GET A DONATION RECEIPT?
Official tax receipts will be issued for donations of $20 or more.
WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS?
The event will take place rain or shine! In the event of dangerous weather, we will cancel and an email will be sent out to all registrants.
HOW LONG IS THE WALK?
The walk itself will take place within Symphony Park beginning at 10:15am. We will walk the paved path 1.36 miles (for 1 in every 36 children diagnosed with autism) which is approximately 6 laps around the park. You do not have to walk the whole thing!
HOW CAN I SIGN UP TO BE A VOLUNTEER, VENDOR OR SPONSOR?
Sign up to volunteer here
Sign up to sponsor here
Request to be a vendor here
