This October, communities across four locations stepped up, raising over $60,000 to support older kids and teens in foster care. For 10 years, Hike With Your Heart has created an opportunity for communities to come together to raise funds and awareness for Kidsave’s programs. What began as a simple outdoor fundraiser in Los Angeles has since grown into a national event.
Houston, TX
For only the second time, supporters in Houston gathered for Hike With Your Heart at Sugar Land Memorial Park. This year, over 100 hikers—including 18 kids from the Houston Weekend Miracles program—came together for a day on the trails.
Thanks to a generous donation by Kidsave board trustee Mark Green, the kids were each gifted a brand-new pair of tennis shoes. During the hike, the kids had the chance to connect with local families and appreciate the beauty of nature together. Every step on the trail felt like a step toward a brighter future, one where no child has to wonder if they’ll ever find their forever family.
The Houston Hike would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors. We want to give a special thanks to MyHeadacheDoc and Drs. Bob and Mary Ann Wilkins for their generosity and dedication.
In total, our Houston community raised over $21,000 to support kids in foster care!
See photos from our Houston hike here.
Los Angeles, CA
In Los Angeles, despite a chilly morning with gray skies, more than 300 families, kids, and volunteers gathered at Kenneth Hahn Recreational Park. The day began with warm smiles, greetings, and pastries, as new and familiar faces met at the trailhead. Before the hike kicked off, Kidsave CEO Randi Thompson welcomed the crowd, followed by heartfelt words from Joseph, a Kidsave youth who shared his journey toward finding his forever family. Finally, board member Autumn Ronda reminded everyone why their support matters.
As groups set off on the 3-mile hike, the trail was filled with laughter and conversation with kids, adults, and volunteers encouraging one another onward. Along the way, hikers paused at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial for reflection and a photo op before reaching the summit overlooking Los Angeles.
When the last group reached the top, hikers gathered for one final photo, looking over the city. The morning wrapped with sandwiches, touch football, and genuine moments of connection embodied Kidsave’s mission: helping every child find lasting family and belonging.
“We’re so grateful to see so many folks (both two-legged and four-legged) come out for Kidsave,” said Genesis Diaz, Kidsave Development and Special Events Manager. “This event reminds us of the importance of creating spaces that support and uplift our kids.”
A special thank you to Mark Green for providing new tennis shoes to 37 older kids in foster care. And another special thanks to Autumn Ronda, the LA Lakers, Lazy Acres, Jimmy Hilburn & Raef Harrison, Alana Saler, Abel Auctions, and Webster Kaplan for sponsoring our event.
In total, our Los Angeles community raised over $35,000 to support kids in foster care!
See photos from our Los Angeles hike here.
The Bay Area
In the San Francisco Bay Area, 40 participants gathered at the beautiful Los Gatos Creek Trail, including Kidsave alumna Dary. Dary met her parents, Dave and Lisa Gulezian, through Kidsave's Winter Miracles program in 2021. Dary and Lisa welcomed everyone and thanked them for supporting the organization that has helped create thousands of forever families, including their own.
The hikers then set out on their walk. It was worth enduring the slight chill in the air to see the gorgeous fall foliage along their path, a symbol of change and new seasons of life.
“Our Bay Area hike was a great success with enthusiast hikers and strong visibility for Kidsave!” said Liz King, Kidsave board member and hike co-coordinator. “We are so grateful to our community and sponsors for their support!”
We want to thank the Purple Onion Cafe for providing our hikers with a delicious lunch and our sponsors Icing on the Cake and Vivid Paint Company for helping make the event possible.
Our Bay Area community stepped up and raised over $8,700 to support kids in foster care!
See photos from our Bay Area hike here.
Washington, D.C.
It was a beautiful fall day in our nation’s capital as nearly 80 Kidsave supporters from across the DMV came together to walk for kids in foster care. Among this group were two youth from our Weekend Miracles Virginia program who need forever families, and the hike was a great opportunity for them to connect with local families and community members.
With Kidsave board member and professional tour guide Ella Schiralli leading the way, Hike With Your Heart participants walked the National Mall, seeing the Washington Monument, the World War II Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. The group made pit stops along the way to learn more about the history behind each memorial and participate in interactive activities.
After the hike, the group gathered near Smithsonian Castle for a picnic lunch. It was an amazing day, made possible thanks to our sponsors Bill and Fran Novelli and C2 Strategies.
In total, our Washington, D.C. community raised over $17,000 to support kids in foster care!
