First Annual ‘Walk for Hope’ Steps Off to Support Local Breast Cancer Nonprofit
By Autumn Gavlock
LOCK HAVEN — A new community tradition is preparing to take its first steps in Lock Haven this month with the launch of the first annual Walk for Hope, hosted by local nonprofit Boxes of Hope. The event will take place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Riverview Park, located at 193 Farrandsville Road.
Organizers say the walk is more than just a fundraiser — it’s a show of strength, solidarity, and support for those affected by breast cancer. Participants are invited to walk in honor, in memory, or in celebration of a breast cancer warrior — or to walk for their own journey.
The route follows a ½-mile paved loop that is wheelchair accessible, offering an inclusive space where walkers and rollers of all ages and abilities are welcome. Attendees can complete as many laps as they wish. In addition to the walk itself, the event will feature local craft vendors, food options, and family-friendly activities, making it a meaningful and memorable day for the entire community.
“We have been planning this since the beginning of the year. We have some amazing vendors participating,” said Traci Fotorny, Founder of Boxes of Hope. “We believe in educational awareness — because knowing breast cancer exists is not enough. We believe being properly informed is important, so we are excited to have an educational booth. We are so grateful to all of our business sponsors who are helping to make this event possible. Come out to walk with us to help raise funds for Boxes of Hope!”
Fotorny added that they’re especially excited to have several kid vendors joining this year’s event, bringing creativity and community spirit from the next generation.
The current vendor list includes:
Amelia’s Homemade Bracelets, Busy B Bookmarks, CC Crafting Custom Gifts, Condor MemGems, Confer Creations, David & Heather’s Tiny Treasures, Fresh Start Chiropractic Wellness Center & Juice Plus, Gugi’s Airbrush Tattoo, Hope’s Dream Rescue & Sanctuary, Knipe Kids, Mama Martina’s Taco Truck, Melierra Custom Jewelry, Mermazingly You (Scentsy), Mia Bella Candles, Paper Pie By Shelby Knipe, Park Lane Jewelry, Renewal By Andersen, Sheena Miller MaryKay, Silver Bullet Wellness, The Shady Shack, Brushed By Nature, K&E Designs, K&D Artistry, Emelia’s Dragonfly Sweets, Keychains 4 A Cure By Edward, The Good Book Gifts, Crafty Treats and more.
Some vendors will also be participating in a “Shop & Donate” option, allowing attendees to purchase specific items to be placed in donation baskets at each booth. These items will be used to create care packages for those battling breast cancer.
Boxes of Hope, based in Lock Haven, provides care, comfort, and support to individuals and families facing breast cancer. All proceeds from the event will go directly toward supporting the nonprofit’s mission.
“This is our very first Walk for Hope, and we’re excited to see it come to life,” Fotorny said. “We hope it becomes an annual tradition — one that grows bigger, better, and bolder with each passing year.”
Vendor registration remains open through September 19, and both walkers and vendors are encouraged to sign up while space is available.
In addition to the day’s festivities, bingo tickets will be available for purchase at the event. The bingo fundraiser will be held on November 9 and will benefit Boxes of Hope, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, and Roads to Peace.
Boxes of Hope also encourages the community to mark their calendars for other exciting upcoming events this fall, including:
•Pink Warrior Day on October 4, 2025 — A celebration inviting breast cancer warriors and survivors to let their warrior beauty shine. Enjoy a day of pampering and glam, followed by an empowering photoshoot to commemorate your strength and beauty throughout the fight.
•Boxes of Hope Craft Party on October 19, 2025 — a relaxing afternoon to paint flowerpots and enjoy creative company.
•Ugly Sweater Murder Mystery Night on November 29, 2025 — throw on your most outrageous holiday sweater and head to the “office Christmas party,” where someone might not make it to dessert!
The Walk for Hope is open to the public. Community members are invited to walk, volunteer, shop, or simply come out and show their support for a cause that impacts so many.
For more information, or to register as a walker or vendor, contact Boxes of Hope directly.
Or, to find out how to become a Partner in Hope monthly donor, visit their website at boh4bc.org/donate.
