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An update on Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk in 2023

Briggs and Als Run and WalkOver the last 45 years, Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk for Children’s Wisconsin has been an important part of the journey for many families and has served as an opportunity for the community to fundraise for our mission. We want to share our decision to pause Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk for 2023. We did not come to this decision lightly, knowing what a healing and celebratory event this is for so many of the families we care for.

For more information or background on this decision, please read the following FAQ.

We are committed to hosting an event in 2024, which will include a version of Al’s Run and that preserves the spirit and meaning of that special Saturday in September when the entire community turns out to support families and Children’s Wisconsin. 

Thank you for your support as we work together to determine what the future holds. We look forward to seeing you in 2024.

FAQs

Q: Why aren’t you holding Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk in 2023?

A: Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk has been a memorable part of the journey for many Children’s Wisconsin families and has served as an opportunity for the community to fundraise for our mission. We did not make this decision lightly, knowing what a healing and celebratory event this is for so much of the Children’s community.

Many factors played a role in this decision. The landscape has changed greatly since Al’s Run was first held 45 years ago. While it started as one of only a few runs and walks in Milwaukee, there now are many. We have seen a steady decline in interest and participation for the past 10 years. At the same time, event logistics and regulations have become increasingly complicated and costly. That reality, along with feedback from families that event logistics were cumbersome and made it difficult for many to participate, led to this pause so we can collect more data and plan more thoughtfully for 2024.

Q: Is Briggs and Al’s Run & Walk cancelled for good? 

A: We know how important it is for families to have an opportunity to celebrate and recognize their journeys. We are committed to hosting an event in 2024, incorporating feedback we collect from families, supporters and community members during the pause this year.

Our event next year will include some version of Al’s Run that preserves the spirit and meaning of the special Saturday in September when the entire community turns out to support the kids and caregivers of Children’s Wisconsin. We believe the time we are taking to pause and plan will allow next year’s event to be more accessible and welcoming to a larger number of participants. You can stay informed with all the latest Children’s Wisconsin Foundation news by subscribing to email updates.

Q: How can I share my feedback to help shape future events?

A: We want to hear from you. Children’s Wisconsin was founded by the community and continues to provide the very best care thanks to you – our generous supporters. Please share your thoughts by sending an email to foundation@childrenswi.org.

Thank you for your continued support in helping us achieve our vision of making Wisconsin’s kids the healthiest in the nation.

Q: How were families and participants involved in the decision to not have an event in 2023? 

A: Children’s Wisconsin Foundation made the decision not to hold Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk in 2023 so that we could focus on connecting with community members and planning for next year. The past several months, we’ve worked with Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk volunteers, team captains, participants, sponsors and Children’s Champion families, as well as other stakeholders, including the Marquette University community, the McGuire family and the running community. Through focus groups, we received feedback that the spirit of community and the ability to honor and memorialize kids is a cherished aspect of the event. We also learned event logistics were cumbersome for families making it difficult to participate and need to be addressed. We look forward to hosting an event in 2024 based on the feedback and ideas we collected.

Q: I’ve previously participated in Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk and fundraised for Children’s Wisconsin. How can I raise funds for Children’s this year?

A: We are so grateful for your support! We know for many, Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk is an opportunity to remember, honor and celebrate kids and families impacted by Children’s Wisconsin. Please consider launching a Facebook Fundraiser or visit our events page.

Q: I’d like to sponsor a Children’s Wisconsin event – what are my options for 2023?

A: Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk is just one of many fundraising events hosted by the Children’s Wisconsin Foundation. From golf outings, to radiothons, to regattas, visit our events page to learn more about sponsorship opportunities or reach out to Stef Ahrens at sahrens@childrenswi.org.

Q: Outside of participating in an event, what are other ways can I get involved at Children’s Wisconsin?

A: There are many ways to get involved. Businesses and individuals can help kids and families across Wisconsin by: