WALK AS ONE CHICAGO
ESPN Chicago and Bernie’s book bank walk to unite Chicago benefitting Bernie’s Book Bank.
The 4th Walk As One Chicago was on Wednesday, July 19th, 2023.
In partnership with ESPN Chicago, David Kaplan, and Bernie’s Book Bank CEO Darrin Utynek teamed up to raise funds in support of Bernie’s Book Bank. The 20-mile walk started and finished in Bub City in Rosemont, IL where ESPN Chicago was broadcasting live all day.
There is still time to support!
Take the 20×20 challenge
Bernie’s Book Bank and ESPN Chicago walked 20 miles to sponsor 20,000 children. Help us reach our goal by sponsoring a child, several children, or a whole classroom! After you donate, please share this graphic or any of our social posts. Together, we can transform the story for local children.
Inaugural Walk As One Chicago
While you may know David Kaplan as host of Kap & J. Hood on ESPN Chicago he is also a valued supporter of Bernie’s Book Bank. Understanding 2020 was a difficult year, David decided he wanted to do something to bring a hope and unity during these unprecedented times. Thus, Walk As One Chicago was born! On September 29th, 2020, Darrin Utynek, CEO of Bernie’s Book Bank joined David for a 29 mile walk from Ohio St. Beach in Chicago to Jens Jensen Park to raise awareness and support for Bernie’s Book Bank. The goal was to raise $87,000 to sponsor 29 schools. They exceeded their goal with $90,000+ in donations in 2020!
2021
In 2021, David and Darrin teamed up again for the second annual Walk As One Chicago. A team of walkers joined them for an impressive 24 miles across Chicago from the United Center to Northwestern University. They made stops at every major sports stadium in Chicago including Wrigley Field, Sox Park and Soldier Field. In total, the 2021 walk raised $150,000! This is a $60,000 increase from the inaugural walk in 2020.
2022
The third annual WAOC route started at Guaranteed Rate Field, traveling up by Wrigley Field and ending at Guaranteed Rate Field for a post-walk celebration at the White Sox game! The unique part of the walk was that walkers stopped by Jahn Elementary, where the children received books from Bernie’s Book Bank. Walkers were able to see the impact of their fundraising efforts firsthand. Thank you to the walkers, sponsors, and supporters who helped empower children through book ownership on the third annual WAOC.
View gallery below for a look at previous Walk As One Chicago photos:
Thank you to our 2023 Sponsors
Looking for more ways to engage with our mission? Learn about additional fundraising events at Bernie’s Book Bank.