Wisconsin LIGHTS OF HOPE
A Recovery Celebration & Memorial Walk
WALK WITH US
SEPTEMBER 13
MISSION
-
Raise awareness about Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and the impact it has on our families and communities across the Nation
-
Celebrate recovery which demonstrates HOPE and SUCCESS to others seeking recovery and it's entirely possible even from hard substances
-
Support families who have been impacted by SUD and loss
-
Help others heal and embrace a meaningful and purpose-driven life in recovery and in grieving a loss
THE WALK
Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
Location:
Pierce Park
1035 W Prospect Ave
Appleton, WI 54914
Time:
-
12:30 pm: Check in, then browse the vendor area, make a button for recovery or your loved one, learn how to administer Naloxone, buy tickets for raffle baskets and put them in the buckets
-
1:00pm: Walk begins to view Memorial Signs and Recoveree Signs
-
2:00pm: Grab some food and water, listen to speakers with lived experience both in recovery and family members who have experienced loss. Alex Schotten is a poet in long-term recovery who also authored two books
-
We will have activities for adults and children
Description:
The walk route goes around and through Pierce Park. Memorial signs and Recoveree Signs will be displayed along the route for all to view. Post walk, meet at the pavilion to see the five Wisconsin Memorial Quilts. There are index binders available with each quilt listing the person by alpha order and row and column.
We will have food and drinks, including cake and cookies, listen to speakers and participate in a candlelight vigil as we celebrate recovery and remember our loved ones and those still struggling.
Fee*:
Adults: $20 (with a Memorial Sign or Recovery Sign)
Adults: $15 (without a Memorial Sign)
Children: Free
Fee includes All activities and food and drinks
**The deadline to ensure a memorial sign or recovery sign is August 26, 2026
Recognition & Memorial Signs:
We will recognize people in recovery on a sign and a separate sign will contain loved ones we remember who lost their lives to SUD.
To recognize a recoveree or loved one who lost his/her life, fill out the registration form or send the following information to fcrecoveryandmemorialwalk@gmail.com.
-
Recoveree: First Name and Last Name
-
Loved One Lost to SUD: First Name, Last Name, Date of Birth, Date of Death, Forever Age, Photo & Brief Story/Obituary
REGISTRATION
Complete the online registration form (one form for each participant) and submit the registration fee--with Zeffy, it is optional to donate to them to register. It's NOT mandatory--so no extra feeds for registering for the event. You will be asked to donate at the end of the registration--remember it's optional and is NOT required.
If you are unable to register online or do not have access to a credit/debit card, contact us using the online submission form and a member of our team will assist with your registration.
SPONSORS
Last year over 200 people from all over the State of Wisconsin participated in the Walk. Several organizations generously sponsored our Walk. Contact us if you are interested in sponsoring this year's walk.
Fox Cities Recovery Celebration and Memorial Walk is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All proceeds benefit The Megan Kelley Foundation, Just Listen and Mandolin Foundation.
