Welcome to our 2024 Parkinson's Unity Walk website! Click the tabs below to fully explore and celebrate the Unity Walk community.
About the Unity Walk
For the past 29 years, the Parkinson's Unity Walk has been a staple in the Parkinson's community. Every year, thousands gather in New York City's Central Park for an event that is more than just a walk. The Michael J. Fox Foundation is proud to celebrate the 30 year anniversary of the Parkinson's Unity Walk. Join thousands on April 27, 2024 as we celebrate 30 years and walk for a cure for Parkinson's disease (PD).
The day of the walk you can enjoy the 1.2 mile route starting and ending at the Naumburg Bandshell, watch programming at the Bandshell from PD groups, explore informational booths featuring industry representatives, and national and local groups providing resources for people and families living with Parkinson's.
100 percent of the funds raised go directly to Parkinson's research and public policy priorities. Last year, this community raised over $975,000 for Parkinson's research and policy with an additional $1 million dollar-for-dollar match from Connie and Steve Ballmer. All of this culminated in the largest amount ever fundraised at the Parkinson's Unity Walk in a single year: nearly $2 million! Thank you to everyone who has walked, fundraised, and supported the mission over the past 29 years. Now, as we enter the 30th year of the Parkinson's Unity Walk, a world without Parkinson's is closer than ever, thanks to you.
Event Day Programming
Check-in, onsite registration, and the rolling start for the 1.2 mile walk will take place at the Bandshell beginning at 8:30 am. Please click the link below for the 2024 programming schedule for this year's Parkinson's Unity Walk.
2024 Parkinson's Unity Walk Event Schedule & Map
For questions, reach out to us at unitywalk@michaeljfox.org.
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PUW attendees celebrate at the 1.2 mile walk start line
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Participants create their own tribute bibs
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Teams create custom shirts or outfits as an incredible show of support for their loved ones
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Teams gather at the finish line to celebrate this community together
Have Questions?
We understand -- that's why we've compiled a comprehensive list of the questions we hear from our community which can be downloaded HERE. If you do not find the answer to your question below, please reach out to us at unitywalk@michaeljfox.org.
Event Resources
It's time to start fundraising and we know you may be wondering where to start. Below you will find extensive resources to help you get registered, create a team, increase your fundraising, grow your team, and more. Be sure to check out our latest fundraising tool, Bonfire, to raise money for PD through T-shirt fundraising.
Parkinson's Unity Walk FAQs
We know you may have questions, so we've compiled a list of all of the questions that we've received over the years from our community into one document. This document provides information about event day details, how to begin a fundraising campaign, how to donate, and more. For more of our guides, scroll below to download more resources.
2024 Fundraising Guides
Social Media
Tips & Info
Classy Video Tutorial
Watch this video for a walk-through on how to set up your Classy fundraising page. Have additional questions? Reach out to us at unitywalk@michaeljfox.org!
Opportunities to Partner
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Get Involved Through Sponsorship
Through corporate support of the Parkinson's Unity Walk, National and Regional Partners can become a part of The Michael J. Fox Foundation's mission. These events provide a collaborative opportunity to engage leadership, employees and customers with a meaningful philanthropic initiative. This is a unique opportunity to join us as we continue to expand in Central Park. MJFF offers a range of sponsorship packages and exhibit opportunities to fit any budget. For more information or to share your interest, contact us at ebarone@michaeljfox.org.
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Additional Ways to Partner
Community Partnerships
Are you a Parkinson's organization or nonprofit who wants to be involved in the Unity Walk in a bigger way? Our community partners have the opportunity to share a community tent, provide resources to the community to get involved, and potentially provide a demonstration at the Bandshell. For more information or to share your interest, contact us at ebarone@michaeljfox.org.
In-Kind Partners
Our in-kind partners donate products or services in lieu of or in conjunction with financial donations. Businesses that provide in-kind support are acknowledged with benefits for their corresponding level of partnership. Your in-kind support helps reduce the cost of the event and therefore enables us to further our resources toward speeding a cure. For more information or to share your interest, contact us at ebarone@michaeljfox.org.
Corporate Teams and Volunteers
Bring together leadership and employees with a unique team-building experience and help support MJFF's mission by forming a corporate Unity Walk team or volunteering at the event. Participants can fundraise and walk together to help raise dollars urgently needed for the Parkinson's community! For more information or to share your interest, contact us at ebarone@michaeljfox.org.
Volunteering Opportunities
All volunteer positions have been filled! Please check back next year for future opportunities to volunteer.
The Parkinson's Unity Walk is a massive event that is only as strong as its staff. We welcome the extra hands who join our MJFF staff onsite to help make this event possible for the PD community!
Consider volunteering in Central Park with us this spring. There's no better way to give back, connect with your community, and get inspired.
For any questions, email us at unitywalk@michaeljfox.org.