Walk for Hope returns to Raleigh Oct. 11 with $1.1 million goal

The Foundation of Hope for Research and Treatment of Mental Illness will host the 38th annual Walk for Hope & Festival on Oct. 11 at Angus Barn in Raleigh, with proceeds supporting mental illness research at UNC-Chapel Hill. The event aims to raise $1.1 million and includes a 5K, 1-mile lake route, live music and family activities.

Why it matters: - The Walk for Hope is a major local fundraiser for early-stage mental illness research that can support new treatments and deeper scientific understanding. - All money raised by participants goes directly to innovative research at the UNC-Chapel Hill Department of Psychiatry. - The event also connects families, friends and workplace teams around a visible community effort tied to mental health.

What happened: - The Foundation of Hope for Research and Treatment of Mental Illness will host the 38th Annual Thad & Alice Eure Walk for Hope & Festival on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026. - The event returns to the Angus Barn restaurant in Raleigh. - Organizers set a $1.1 million fundraising goal. - The walk starts at 10 a.m., returning to its traditional start time.

The details: - Participants can choose a 5K walk to Umstead State Park or a 1-mile lake route. - The day includes a family festival with food, live music from Liquid Pleasure, games and children’s activities. - Supporters who cannot attend in person can participate virtually or donate. - Registration and event information are available at register.walkforhope.com. - Parking, shuttle details and arrival instructions are also posted at register.walkforhope.com. - Event organizers list Angus Barn at 9401 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC 27617 as the venue. - Media inquiries go to Christopher Boyd at chris@walkforhope.com or 919-781-WALK (9255). - More information is available at walkforhope.com.

Between the lines: - The foundation says the walk turns a community tradition into funding for urgently needed mental illness research. - Jennifer Gibson, executive director of the Foundation of Hope, said the event helps a researcher take the next step toward solutions families need. - Gibson said the event is a reminder that no one facing mental illness should feel alone. - In 2026, the foundation awarded 12 new research grants totaling more than $1.5 million. - The funded projects cover depression, schizophrenia and substance use disorders, plus the effects of artificial intelligence and social media on young people’s mental health. - Since its founding in 1984, the foundation has awarded 221 research grants totaling more than $12.1 million. - Those initial investments helped researchers secure an additional $298 million in follow-on funding.

What’s next: - Organizers will use the Oct. 11 event to bring in donations and participation from the Raleigh community and beyond. - The foundation will continue funding early-stage research projects that could lead to future treatment advances. - Virtual participation and donations will remain options for supporters unable to attend in person.

The bottom line: - The 38th Walk for Hope pairs a Raleigh fall tradition with a direct funding pipeline for mental illness research.