About Walkathon

2024 Walkathon Schedule:

02/17/24 | St. Pete Walkathon | Vinoy Park
03/02/24 | Suncoast Walkathon | Nathan Benderson Park
03/23/24 | Tampa Walkathon | Gadsden Park
04/06/24 | Gainesville Walkathon |Trinity United Methodist Church
04/13/24 | Orlando Walkathon | Lake Lily Park

Additional community-driven events will take place in other Florida locations and beyond!

The evolution of Walkathon

The Southeastern Guide Dogs Walkathon evolved from humble beginnings to a series of wonderful, multi-site events that comprise our biggest fundraiser of the year. The first Walkathon was held in 1987 at the Manatee County Fairgrounds in Palmetto, Florida.

In 2016, we aimed high with our first ever $1 million goal and we strive to exceed that goal each year! With your help, we’re confident we can surpass the million-dollar mark once again in 2024! Growth is exciting because every dollar raised helps us match guide and service dogs with people with visual impairments, veterans, and children.

What’s in a Walkathon?

While locations vary, each Walkathon shares a common theme—a fun-filled day for a deserving cause. Each Walkathon includes a dog-friendly walk in the springtime, tasty food options, lively music, fabulous shopping, and fun for the entire family.

Our walkers and friends champion this fundraiser by asking for support from friends and family, selling raffle tickets, and staging personal fundraising activities such as car washes, bake sales, and neighborhood yard sales.

To generate even more excitement, our Walkathon Raffle includes a grand prize of $10,000 cash as well as event prizes of $1,000 cash to be won at the Walkathon events. We also offer Fundraising Incentive items such as milestone t-shirts, tumblers, polo shirts, and student scholarships. And, of course, each dog that attends Walkathon gets a free bandana featuring the Walkathon logo.