A FEW THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

EVENT DETAILS:

• Saturday, May 2, 2026, 9:30 am
• Sunken Meadow State Park, Field 1
• 9:30 am: Registration and Activities open
• 10:35 am:  Opening Ceremony 
• 11:05 am:  Walk Starts!

PARKING:
We have plenty of parking! When you enter the park, turn right at the traffic circle. The event will take place at the far end of the park by the playground and basketball court.  
Please note that Long Island Parks has a parking fee of $8 per car after 8:00 am.

EVENT LOCATION:


HEART ANGEL REMEMBRANCE
Heart Angel families are invited to bring a photo or other remembrance for display at our Peace and Memorial tent; materials to leave messages will also be available. <3


EVENT IS RAIN OR SHINE!
The Walk will be held rain or shine - please dress for the weather.  It can get very windy on the beach, so please dress in layers!
 

OUR 3 TOP TEAMS!
Our top 3 teams will receive their own team tent! The team captains of the highest fundraising teams will be notified on Friday, May 1st at 7pm.  This tent will include a table and chairs and can be used as a meeting area for your team throughout the event. We appreciate all of your fundraising efforts!!
 

HEART SIGNS
If you purchased a Heart Sign, you are welcome to take it home as a keepsake after the walk!  Please remember to come to the registration area to pick up your sign by 12:00 pm.
 

REGISTRATION

• Please kindly inform your friends and family that donating to our cause (or to your team) does not automatically enroll them for the walk. Official registration is required to participate in the walk day festivities. Clear here to register!
• Registration, along with our event site and activities, will open at 9:30 AM. We recommend arriving when registration opens at 9:30 AM to enjoy all of our fun activities!  We also ask everyone to arrive prior to 10:15 AM and check in at the registration area.
• Registration is required for all participants ages 2 and up. Making sure that all your team members are pre-registered online will help to speed up the check-in process.
• To check in, you can simply provide your name to a check-in volunteer.
• If you are registered online, we will check you in, we’ll accept any donations that you may have to turn in (Cash, Check, or Credit Card), and direct you to pick up your walk t-shirt if you have raised over $100 as an INDIVIDUAL. (If you have earned a higher level incentive based on your individual giving, you will receive an e-mail approximately 4 weeks after our event to claim your fundraising reward and can continue to fundraise until the deadline to qualify for your preferred incentive item!).
• If someone has not registered online in advance, they will be asked to complete a paper registration form and sign our event waiver. Save time on walk day and register today.
• After check-in/registration, ENJOY some fun activities!

HERE'S WHAT'S IN STORE ON WALK DAY:

• A beautiful remembrance of our Heart Angels and celebration of our Heart Warriors
• Dance along with the beats from our live DJ
• Remarks from Dr. Jeffery Gossett, Vice President and System Chief, Pediatric Cardiology at Cohen Children’s Medical Center Northwell Health
• Enjoy some free hot dogs and snacks provided by Boar's Head MacConnie Provisions
• Meet and greet royalty: Geanna Koulouris, Miss Long Island 2026, and Shyla Silva, Miss Long Island Teen 2026
• Visit the adorable Teddy Bear Hospital tent - an initiative from NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine that creates a nurturing environment where children learn about healthcare through imaginative play while building positive associations with medical care.  Visit the Teddy Bear Hospital tent and get a special surprise!
• Watch live CPR & basic life-saving education demos provided by MedicZero NYIT students 
• Stop by the Cohen Children’s Medical Center Northwell Health, Stony Brook Children's Hospital, PM Pediatrics, and Suffolk County Detectives Association Tents
• Try some iced coffee or iced tea from Sail Away Coffee
• Brightening a child’s day by creating a handmade Get Well Card
• Get your face painted in fabulous colors 
• Try your luck at some carnival games
• Meet Hearty, our Congenital Heart Walk Mascot!
• Enjoy a heartwarming, family-friendly one-mile walk while making a real impact by raising dollars for CHD research!

PROGRAM
We will begin our walk program from the stage at approximately 10:35 AM.  Please gather in front of the stage to remember our heart angels, celebrate our heart warriors and learn about how your efforts are making a big difference in congenital heart defect research.  We encourage you to arrive at 9:30 AM to enjoy the activities prior to the start of our program!
 

NOTES

• There will be a garbage receptacles available throughout the park. Please help keep the park clean!
• Restrooms will be available by the main building
• We will have refreshments and hot dogs, but are not able to provide for all dietary restrictions.  Please feel free to bring your own snacks/picnic lunch for after the walk!

Walk Details

• Distance: Approximately 1 mile (family-friendly, all fitness levels welcome!)
• Format: Rain or shine! We walk in all weather conditions. Severe weather updates will be posted on our website and social media if needed.
• Pace: Walk at your own pace—this is not a race! Bring your whole family.

What to Bring / What's Allowed

✅ Strollers & wagons: Absolutely welcome!
✅ Heart Warrior/Angel photos: We provide special display areas to honor your loved ones
✅ Coolers: Permitted (non-alcoholic beverages and food only, unless restricted by venue)
✅ Comfortable walking shoes: Recommended for the 1-mile route
✅ Sun protection: Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses suggested
✅ Team spirit: Wear your team shirts, tutus, costumes, or CHD awareness gear!

❌ Not permitted: Alcohol, weapons, drones, or smoking on the walk route

Photos & Memories

• Event photos will be posted within 1-2 weeks after your walk. Check our website and social media!
• Professional photographers will be on-site at select locations
• Share your photos using #CHFWalk and #CHF30 - we love seeing your team spirit!
• Memory boards: Bring photos of your Heart Warrior or Angel to display at our special tribute area

Fundraising & Donations

Online donations:

• The easiest way to support! Visit your participant or team page to donate securely online.

Mailing checks:

• Make checks/money orders payable to: The Children's Heart Foundation
• Mail to: The Children's Heart Foundation
  5 Revere Drive, One Northbrook Place, Suite 200
  Northbrook, IL 60062
• Include participant/team name in memo line
• Download the offline donation form to track your donations

Cash donations:

• Can be turned in at event registration (receipts provided)

Matching gifts:

• Many employers match charitable donations! Ask your HR department or check our matching gift database