NAMIWalks Greater Mississippi Valley

What is NAMIWalks Greater Mississippi Valley?

NAMIWalks Greater Mississippi Valley is a community walk that brings people together to raise awareness, show support for mental health, and raise funds for NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley’s local programs and services.

Who can participate?

Everyone! Walk with family, friends, coworkers, a team, or on your own. Everyone is welcome.

Do I have to be part of a team?

No. You can register and participate as an individual.

Is there a registration fee?

No. There is no registration fee, but fundraising is encouraged to help support NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley’s local programs.

Do I have to walk the entire route?

No. Choose the option that works best for you! You can complete the 1-mile route or walk the full 5K.

How do I register for NAMIWalks?

Register online using the NAMIWalks registration link. We encourage everyone to register in advance so we have a better idea of how many people to expect on Walk Day.

Can I register on Walk Day?

Yes! Walk-up registration is welcome, although pre-registration is encouraged.

How do I join a team?

When you register, select the team you'd like to join from the list of participating teams. If you need help finding or joining a team, contact NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley and we'll be happy to help.

Can I create my own team?

Absolutely! You can create a team when you register.

Can I add people to my team after I register?

Yes! Team members can be added through Walk Day, so keep inviting your friends, family, coworkers, and others to join your team..

Can I register someone else?

Yes. If you'd like to register someone else, you can complete a registration form and return it to NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley.

Do children need to register?

Registration is encouraged for children whenever possible, but it is not required. Having children registered simply helps us get a better idea of how many people to expect on Walk Day.

What if I register but can no longer attend?

No worries! If your plans change and you can't attend, there's nothing you need to do. If you've already started fundraising, your fundraising can continue to support NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley.

Do I have to fundraise to participate?

No. There is no fundraising requirement to participate, but every dollar raised helps support NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley's local programs.

How do I start fundraising?

Once you register, you'll have a personal fundraising page that you can share with family, friends, coworkers, and others. You can also use the Fundraise4NAMI app to manage and share your fundraising.

How do I share my fundraising page?

Share your personal fundraising link by email, text, social media, or however you normally connect with friends and family. The Fundraise4NAMI app also makes sharing easy.

Can people donate to me if they aren't able to attend the Walk?

Absolutely! Anyone can support your NAMIWalks fundraising by donating through your personal fundraising page.

Can I continue fundraising after Walk Day?

Yes! Fundraising continues for 60 days after the Walk, so you can keep sharing your page and encouraging donations thru December 10th.

How do I earn a NAMIWalks T-shirt?

Participants who raise $100 or more qualify for a NAMIWalks T-shirt. Stop by the Registration table on Walk Day to pick up your shirt.

Can I donate by check?

Yes. Checks can be made payable to NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley and submitted to NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley. If you're making a donation toward a specific participant or team, be sure to include that information with your check.

Where does the money raised through NAMIWalks go?

100% of the funds raised through NAMIWalks Greater Mississippi Valley stay right here in our local community to support NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley's mission and local programs.

Where should I park?

Parking at Veterans Memorial Park is very limited, with approximately 50 spaces available. Additional parking is available at Bettendorf Middle School, with free shuttle service to and from the park.

Where do I enter for parking at Bettendorf Middle School?

You can enter the Bettendorf Middle School parking area from Middle Road or 18th Street. Shuttle pickup and drop-off will be in the turnaround area in front of the school, near the main entrance.

When does the shuttle start running?

Shuttles begin running at 7:45 a.m. and will run continuously throughout the morning.

Where will the shuttle drop me off at Veterans Memorial Park?

Shuttles will drop participants off near the pavilion at Veterans Memorial Park.

When is the last shuttle?

The last shuttle from Veterans Memorial Park to Bettendorf Middle School will run at approximately 11:45 a.m.

How much does the shuttle cost?

The shuttle is free.

What time should I arrive?

Participant check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. If you're parking at Bettendorf Middle School, shuttle service will be available beginning at 7:45 a.m. You don't need to arrive that early unless you'd like to - plan to arrive with enough time to park, take the shuttle, check in, and get settled before the opening ceremony begins at 9:20 a.m.

I need an accessibility accommodation. What should I do?

If you have questions about accessibility or need an accommodation to participate in NAMIWalks, please contact NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley before Walk Day so we can discuss your needs and help

determine the best option.

Do I need to check in when I arrive?

Yes, if possible, please stop by Registration when you arrive, even if you registered online. This helps us get an accurate count of participants and make sure we're ready for everyone. Registration is located at the north end of the pavilion.

Can I register on Walk Day?

Yes! Walk-up registration is welcome. We encourage pre-registration whenever possible so we have a better idea of how many people to expect.

Why is it important to pre-register?

Pre-registering and providing your email address helps us communicate important Walk Day updates directly to you if plans change.

How do I get my NAMIWalks T-shirt?

Participants who raise $100 or more qualify for a NAMIWalks T-shirt. Shirts can be picked up at the Registration area at the north end of the pavilion.

What if I reach $100 after September 9?

You can still earn a T-shirt! Shirts will be available while supplies last. The September 9 deadline was simply the deadline for guaranteeing your preferred shirt size.

What if I reach $100 on Walk Day?

You can still earn a T-shirt! Anyone who raises $100 or more qualifies for a shirt. If we run out of your size, we'll order another shirt for you and get it to you after the Walk.

Do I need to show proof of my fundraising to get my shirt?

No. We'll have a record of your fundraising, so you don't need to bring anything with you.

What time does the Walk begin?

The Walk begins at 10:00 a.m.

How long is the Walk?

You can choose between a 1-mile route or the full 5K. The 1-mile option has a designated turnaround point along the route.

Is the Walk competitive or timed?

No. NAMIWalks is a non-competitive, untimed community walk. Walk at your own pace and enjoy the morning!

Where does the Walk take place?

The Walk follows the Duck Creek Bike Path and is marked with NAMIWalks route signs.

What is the path like?

The route is on a paved, publicly used bike path. Because the path remains open to the public, you may encounter bicyclists and other path users during the Walk. We've done what we can to let the public know about the event, but please stay to the right, be aware of others, and share the path courteously.

Is the route accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?

The route is on a paved path, and strollers are welcome. Because the route includes hills and varying terrain, we recommend that participants using wheelchairs or other mobility devices consider their individual needs and contact NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley ahead of Walk Day if they have questions about accessibility.

Where are the restrooms?

Restrooms are located behind the bandshell. Three portable toilets are also available beside the restroom building. There are no restrooms along the walk path.

Where can I get water?

Water will be available at a water station along the Walk route and at the south end of the pavilion.

Where is first aid located?

A first aid tent staffed by UnityPoint Health–Trinity nurses will be located near the start of the Walk.

Volunteers will also be available along the route to assist participants.

Will food and refreshments be available?

Yes! Hy-Vee and Pepsi-Cola of Davenport will provide refreshments and snacks. Food trucks will also be available before, during, and after the Walk, with food and drinks available for purchase from Big D’s Lil’ Donuts, Lifted Energy, and Schaab’s Street Eats.

What other activities will be available?

There will be plenty to see and do at Veterans Memorial Park! Enjoy the Kid Zone, Dog Zone, therapy dogs, team photo/selfie station, community exhibitors, music, and entertainment throughout the morning.

Is there a place to store my personal belongings?

No. There is no secure storage or bag check available at NAMIWalks. Please plan accordingly and keep track of your personal belongings throughout the event.

What should I do if I lose or find something?

If you lose an item or find something that belongs to someone else, please check with the Registration area at the north end of the pavilion. Any items that are turned in will be kept there.

Will NAMIWalks take place if it rains?

Yes. NAMIWalks is a rain-or-shine event.

What happens if there is severe weather?

The safety of our participants, volunteers, and staff comes first. In the event of severe thunderstorms, we may need to delay or cancel the event.

How will I know if there is a change to the Walk schedule?

If weather or other circumstances require a change to the event, we will communicate updates through the NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley Facebook page first, followed by email and the NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley website.

Is there accessible parking at Veterans Memorial Park?

Yes. There are seven accessible parking spaces available at Veterans Memorial Park.

Is there an accessible restroom?

Yes. Accessible restroom facilities are available at Veterans Memorial Park.

I need an accommodation to participate. Who should I contact?

Please contact Brooke at NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley before Walk Day so we can do our best to help with your needs.

Yourself! Come ready to walk, connect, and enjoy the morning. You may also want to bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and anything else you'll personally need for the day.

If you plan to purchase food or drinks from the food trucks, bring cash or a credit/debit card.

Please note that there is no secure storage for personal belongings, and items cannot be left on the shuttle buses. Please plan accordingly and keep your belongings with you throughout the event.