Can you feel the excitement in the air? That’s right, the 20th anniversary of NAMI Walks Los Angeles County & Mental Health Fest is happening THIS SATURDAY, May 4th! Get ready to join us at the LA State Historic Park for a day filled with fun, community, and support for mental health advocacy!
Park opens at 8:00 AM. Registration will start at 9:00 AM and for those raising $100 or more, you can grab your T-Shirt, so make sure you’re there bright and early to kick off the festivities. And yes, everyone attending the Walk, including your little ones, must register! But don’t worry, you can save time and skip the line by registering online—it’s quick, easy, and absolutely FREE. Just click here to get started. Don’t forget to show your NAMI South Bay love when you sign up.
Are you a Team Captain who raised over $100? Congratulations! You can pick up your exclusive NAMIWalks 2024 t-shirt when you arrive!
Once you’re checked in, get ready to dive into a world of excitement:
👋 Meet & Greet: We’ll be waiting for you at our NAMI South Bay Booth #56 where you can connect with fellow teammates and take some South Bay photos. Then immerse yourself in the day’s activities and discover the amazing work being done by other local community organizations.
🐾 Dog Parade! Dress your furry friend to impress, and they could win a fantastic prize. The winners? Well, they’re chosen by you, the audience! If you’d like to enter your pup, make sure to stop by the Dog Costume Contest Check-in Booth when you arrive.
🪧 Signs of Hope: Make your mark by creating your very own sign at the Signs of Hope station, hosted by NAMI Glendale.
📸 Photo Fun: Gather your team and strike a pose at the 360 Degree Photo Booth, courtesy of Lux Productions. Get ready for Instagram-worthy memories! Speaking of social media, be sure to tag us on your photos using #NAMISouthBay and follow/like us Instagram: @nami.southbay, Facebook: NamiSouthBay LinkedIn: NamiSouthBay
🧘 Mind & Body Workshop: Check out the fantastic activities scheduled throughout the day to rejuvenate your mind and body.
🧑🍳 Foodie Paradise: Explore the delicious offerings from our food trucks and plan your perfect lunch!
Our Stage Ceremonies kick off at 10:00 AM and will be co-emceed by the incredible Sandra O’Neill from Telemundo 52 and Annabelle Sedano from NBC4 News. We’re thrilled to have them back for our 20th anniversary!
But wait, there’s more! We’re honored to have Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass join us to kick off this special occasion. And that’s not all! We’ll also be presenting Congresswoman Grace Napolitano with the inaugural NAMI GLAC Mental Health Champion Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to mental health advocacy.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there! You’ll also hear from Dr. Lisa Wong, Psy.D., Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, and our NAMI Ambassador, the incredible Brittany McGowan, who will share her inspiring journey of mental health from the stage.
After our amazing speakers, get ready for some pre-walk fun with the Dog Costume Contest.
Get pumped up with Dion Jackson and his signature high-energy warm-up! Dion will have you ready to go as we kick off the walk around the park at 11:30 AM. So, grab your sign, raise your voice, and let’s make a difference together!
But wait, there’s more! After the walk, the fun continues with lunch from our food trucks, visits to vendor booths, photos at the 360 Photo Booth, art activities, and music from DJ Ralph. And get ready to dance to the beat of Poco Pocho, Los Angeles’ very own 4-piece cumbia band!
NAMIWalks LA County takes place at the stunning LA State Historic Park in Chinatown. Limited paid parking is available near the walk site, but there’s also ample free street parking around the venue, as well as other paid lots nearby. Be sure to arrive early so you don’t miss a moment!
If you plan on joining us Saturday, please make sure you register for free online. It only takes a minute, saves you time on Walk Day, and helps the event run smoothly for all involved. We want to show just how much MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS to Los Angeles County, and your registration is a powerful demonstration of your support for NAMI’s mission!
We’re also getting closer to our overall fundraising goal of $375,000, but we need your help to get there! Whether you start your own Walk Team, join an existing team, or make a one-off donation, every contribution makes a difference. Use this link to make your contribution today: NAMIWalks LA County and indicate your love of NAMI South Bay.
And remember, if you raise or donate $100, you’ll ensure you get your exclusive NAMIWalks 2024 t-shirt!
NAMIWalks is more than just a walk—it’s a celebration of community, support, and hope. We can’t wait to see you there! 💚