The Walk As One event is coming back to Chicago this year, with ESPN 1000 and Bernie’s Book Bank joining forces. This is the second rendition of the event as ESPN 1000 host David Kaplan walks alongside the CEO of Bernie’s Book Bank, Darrin Utynek, for 24 miles, raising awareness and donations for Bernie’s Book Bank. The festivities are scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 23 throughout the city of Chicago.
The duo is hitting multiple landmarks along the way, including Guaranteed Rate Field, the United Center, and other stadiums across Chicago. Last year, the event raised over $95,000 with around 350 donors and this year, the goal is to raise over $300,000.
“Building a partnership with David Kaplan, Good Karma Brands, ESPN 1000, and Bernie’s Book Bank has had a tremendous impact on our mission and the children we serve with free quality books. We are grateful to David for coming up with this innovative idea to unite Chicago and support our work to solve the literacy crisis,” Darrin Utynek, CEO of Bernie’s Book Bank said in a press release.
This is another example of Chicago’s sports radio talent leveraging its platform for the greater good. Danny Parkins of 670 The Score helped raise $660,000 for a non-profit supermarket last month. Now his in-town rival is stepping up to the plate.
“What Kap and Darrin Utynek were able to do last year, during a pandemic, to help Chicago’s under-served children was amazing. We are thrilled to partner with Bernie’s Book Bank again this year to make this fundraiser even bigger and to help more children. The new route to go to all the stadiums is really awesome,” said ESPN Chicago Market Manager Mike Thomas.
This year’s event has added incentives for people eager to help a great cause. The first 50 fans who register and commit to raising $1,000 can walk alongside Kap and Darrin this year. Quite the unique way to experience a day in the Windy City.