They Walked. Alexandria Families Got Help. StepALIVE! Returns Oct. 18

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Last October, 10-year-old Whitley Ng led the largest community team at ALIVE!’s StepALIVE! Walkathon.

Around her, more than 350 walkers—families, congregations, businesses and friends—gathered at George Washington Middle School for the nonprofit’s annual fundraiser. The day came during a federal government shutdown that was adding new pressure to some Alexandria households, but the turnout made its own point: people here show up for one another.

By the end of the day, the 44th annual walkathon had raised $125,000, beating its $100,000 goal.

On Sunday, Oct. 18, ALIVE! is asking Alexandria to lace up again.

The 45th annual StepALIVE! Walkathon returns to George Washington Middle School, 1005 Mount Vernon Ave., with a goal of raising $145,000 to help local families access groceries, emergency assistance and the support needed to stay safely housed.

Registration and pre-walk activities begin at 12:30 p.m. The walk starts at 2 p.m., followed by music, prizes and treats from Goodies Frozen Custard. Organizers expect more than 450 walkers for two family-friendly 5K routes through Del Ray.

More Than a Sunday Walk

The walk is designed to be fun—last year included live music, mini golf, face painting, a scavenger hunt and cheering volunteers—but its purpose is immediate.

ALIVE!, founded in 1969, is Alexandria’s largest safety-net nonprofit. Its programs help more than 20,000 people each month with groceries, emergency financial assistance, furniture deliveries and other services that help families recover from a crisis and regain stability.

A surprise medical bill, a rent increase or a disruption at work can be enough to push a household into a difficult choice between food, utilities and housing. StepALIVE! funds help ALIVE! respond when those moments arrive.

“Every step taken represents a neighbor who will have food on the table or the support to stay in their home,” Jennifer Ayers, ALIVE!’s executive director, said after last year’s walk.

For returning participants, the blend of purpose and good old-fashioned neighborhood fun is part of the draw.

“I enjoy the walkathon because it adds a festive touch to an event that also shines a light on the hunger and housing challenges in our local community,” said Nick Sablinski, a 2025 participant.

A New Goal for a Familiar Alexandria Tradition

The 2025 event was the first held at George Washington Middle School, with routes through Del Ray and Old Town. This year’s gathering returns to the school and focuses on two 5K routes through Del Ray.

Walkers can register individually, form teams with friends or colleagues, sponsor the event or donate without walking. For ALIVE!, every route leads back to the same thing: practical help for a neighbor who may be trying to keep a refrigerator stocked, a utility bill paid or a family safely in its home.