James Hot Chocolate Walk

  • Post category:Fundraiser
  • Reading time:2 mins read

I think it’s safe to say that the Elmhurst College Acts of Random Kindness club’s first fundraiser was a huge success. They really went above and beyond anything that we had imagined. Thank you to everyone who came out on Sunday. While we tried to personally thank all of you at the event, I am sure there are a few that we might have missed. We do appreciate each and every one of you for your support and generosity.

We collected pictures from a few of our friends and I want to share some of them here. I normally try to be cautious when posting pictures of people without getting their permission, but I figured that since this was a public event, I didn’t need to go crazy and block out everyone’s faces. I just focused on blurring out the kids.

Here is us with the Elmhurst College chaplain, Lili and Katie (the founders of the Acts of Random Kindness club) welcoming and thanking everyone for coming out to the walk.

 

Five adults and James stand together outside a brick building with large windows. Four of the adults wear matching bright blue “James Chocolate Walk 2017” T‑shirts, and another adult on the left wears a navy Elmhurst College sweatshirt while holding a hat. James sits in a red and black specialized stroller, wearing sunglasses and a blue shirt. The group looks like they’re gathered for a community event or walk, sharing an easy moment of camaraderie.
Us with the chaplain, Lili, and Katie

 

We were really amazed by the amount of people that showed up.

 

A large crowd gathers outdoors along a paved path surrounded by trees and greenery. People stand, walk, and mingle near tables decorated with colorful items, balloons, and umbrellas, giving the scene the feel of a community fair or celebration. In the foreground, a big planter filled with green foliage and red flowers sits beside the walkway. Sunlight and clear skies make the whole space look warm, lively, and welcoming.

 

They had bag toss and other games set up for people to play.

 

A group of people gather on a grassy field, playing and watching a game of cornhole. Several individuals are mid‑throw, aiming bean bags at wooden boards set up across the lawn. Others stand nearby chatting or waiting their turn. Trees and a few brick buildings sit in the background, giving the scene the feel of a relaxed outdoor event or campus gathering.
Bag toss

 

They had a few tables set up to raffle off some items.

 

An outdoor event is set up on a paved area beside a large brick building with tall windows. Several tables covered in bright yellow and purple cloths hold baskets, balloons, and colorful items. People gather around the tables, talking, browsing, and moving through the space. The scene feels like a cheerful community or school fair held on a warm day.
Raffle tables

 

At an outdoor event on a sunny day, several people gather around tables covered in bright yellow, purple, and white tablecloths. The tables hold colorful gift bags, papers, pens, and a water bottle. A group of people in matching light‑blue shirts appear to be volunteers or organizers, talking with a person in a white shirt and jeans who is standing at the table. More people, trees, and a building with umbrellas and chairs fill the background, giving the scene a cheerful, community‑gathering feel.
Raffle tables

 

Let the walk begin:

 

Stacy and Jeff stand behind James seated in a specialized stroller, all three wearing bright blue T‑shirts with yellow text that reads “JAMES HOT CHOCOLATE WALK 2017.” Stacy and Jeff wear sunglasses and smile toward the camera, and James also wears sunglasses with supportive padding around the head. Sunlight, trees, grass, and other participants fill the background, giving the scene the feel of a warm, community‑driven outdoor event.
Do you recognize these people?

 

A group of people walk together along a paved path lined with trees and bushes. Adults and children move in a loose cluster, some pushing strollers and others carrying water bottles. One person uses a white cane while walking with the group. In the background, a blue banner on a lamppost reads “Elmhurst College 1871,” placing the scene on or near a college campus. The moment feels like a community walk or awareness event, relaxed and inclusive.

 

A group of people walk together along a paved path in a park‑like setting with trees, grass, and buildings in the background. Some carry water bottles, others wear athletic clothes, and they move in a relaxed cluster as if participating in a community walk. Chalk writing on the pavement reads “We Care,” with additional supportive words partially visible nearby. The scene feels warm, social, and connected.

 

A group of people walk along a paved path bordered by trees and greenery, with a brick building visible in the background. Adults and children move together in a relaxed line, some carrying water bottles. The moment feels like a community or school gathering on a pleasant day.

 

A group of people walk along a paved path surrounded by trees and greenery. On the pavement in front of them, a message written in bright chalk reads “Keep on Treckin!” followed by the name Cheyenne Roper. The scene feels like part of a casual outdoor walk or community event, with the chalk note offering a cheerful push forward.

 

A large brick chapel stands under a clear blue sky, featuring a tall white steeple topped with a cross. Four white columns frame the front entrance beneath a triangular pediment, and a clock sits on the tower just below the steeple. Decorative plants flank the wooden doors. In the foreground, Stacy pushes James in his stroller along a paved path across a neatly kept lawn.
Stacy, James, and a friend walking past the College chapel

 

One of the really cool things that they did was they had chalk for people to write kind words or quotes on the path. I am not sure if this was all of them, or if we missed some.

 

Yellow chalk handwriting on a sunlit asphalt surface reads “With much Love – Linda.” Soft shadows from nearby trees fall across the pavement, giving the scene a gentle, personal feel, as if the note was left as a simple act of affection in an outdoor space.
“With much love”

 

Chalk writing on a sunlit paved surface reads “Walks of Love – Team Puppy Love Pet Care.” Shadows of tree branches and a person’s silhouette stretch across the ground. The scene feels light and friendly, like a supportive message left for participants in an outdoor walk or event.
“Walks of Love”

 

Green chalk handwriting on an asphalt surface reads “Take it one breath at a time! – Megan Keys.” Soft shadows from nearby trees fall across the pavement, giving the message a calm, grounding feel, like a quiet reminder offered to passersby during an outdoor event or walk.
“Take it one breath at a time!”

 

Yellow chalk writing on an asphalt surface reads “Walk with a friend – Jenny W.” The lettering mixes cursive and print, and soft shadows from nearby trees fall across the ground. The message feels friendly and inviting, like a simple reminder to share the path with someone.
“Walk with a friend”

 

Light blue chalk writing on a paved outdoor surface reads “Never walk alone – team world languages.” A large pink chalk arrow points to the left, and a person wearing bright pink pants and a light top stands near its tip. Trees and grass frame the background, giving the scene the feel of a schoolyard or park during an outdoor event.
“Never walk alone”

 

White chalk handwriting stretches across an asphalt road, partly covered by soft tree shadows. The message reads, “Thinking of you and praying for you and your family. James – Elmhurst College Baseball.” The note feels personal and compassionate, like a supportive message left during a community walk or event.
“Thinking of you and praying for you and your family James”

 

Pink chalk writing on an asphalt surface reads “LOVE everyone ALWAYS – Jen W.” Soft shadows from overhead leaves fall across the pavement, giving the message a warm, gentle feel, like a simple reminder to lead with kindness.
“Love everyone always”

 

Blue chalk handwriting on a concrete sidewalk reads, “James, you are one lucky kid with the best parents! You rock! – Megan W.” Soft shadows fall across the pavement, giving the note a warm, upbeat feel, like a cheerful message left to brighten someone’s day.
“James, you are one lucky kid with the best parents! You rock!”

 

Light blue chalk handwriting on a concrete sidewalk reads “May God Bless this family – Anonymous.” Soft shadows from overhead branches fall across the pavement, and a few small leaves are scattered nearby. The message feels gentle and heartfelt, like a quiet offering of support left in a public space.
“May God bless this family”

 

White chalk writing on a paved surface reads, “Family first. You are family. Exceptional, at that! – Fetch! Pet Care of Greater Schaumburg.” Soft shadows fall across the pavement, giving the message a warm, uplifting feel, like a supportive note left during a community event.
“Family first. You are family. Exceptional at that!”

 

White chalk writing on an asphalt surface reads “Walk, Bea Walk – Matt B.” A few scattered leaves rest on the pavement, hinting at an outdoor setting in cooler weather. The message feels like a simple, upbeat bit of encouragement left along a walking path.
“Walk, Bea, Walk”

 

White chalk writing on an asphalt surface reads “Love Always Wins – Tamra Harrington.” Soft shadows fall across the pavement, giving the message a calm, uplifting feel, like a simple reminder left to encourage anyone passing by.
“Love always wins”

 

White chalk writing on a paved street reads “Have a good day on purpose! – Andrea Taylor.” Tree shadows stretch across the pavement, giving the message a warm, encouraging feel, like a little boost left for anyone passing by.
“Have a good day on purpose”

 

White chalk writing on a paved surface reads “Keep on Treckin! – Cheyenne Roper.” Tree‑branch shadows fall across the upper left corner, and the bright chalk stands out against the gray pavement, giving the message an upbeat, keep‑going energy.
“Keep on treckin’!”

 

Colored chalk writing on a paved walkway reads, “And with a golden ticket, it’s a golden day – Team Oompa Loompas.” The lettering is bright and playful, and soft shadows fall across the pavement, giving the message a cheerful, whimsical feel inspired by the idea of a “golden ticket.”
“And with a golden ticket, it’s a golden day”

 

White chalk writing on a paved surface reads, “Onward and upward to the Fulkerson Family. You’re in our prayers. – Deacon Mike I.” Scattered leaves rest on the pavement, and soft tree‑branch shadows fall across the scene, giving the message a gentle, supportive tone.
“Onward and upward to the Fulkerson family. You are in our prayers.”

 

Light-colored chalk writing on a concrete sidewalk reads, “Keep on smiling James! Warmest wishes to your angels & parents! – Elizabeth A.” Several people’s shadows stretch across the pavement, and a small patch of soil with plants borders the right edge. The message feels warm and encouraging, like a heartfelt note left along a walkway.
“Keep on smiling James! Warmest wishes to your ??? parents”

 

Blue chalk writing on a concrete sidewalk reads, “You Are Amazing – Claire.” A handful of yellow leaves are scattered across and around the pavement, giving the scene a soft, early‑autumn feel. The message is simple and uplifting, like a small encouragement left for anyone passing by.
“You are amazing”

 

Blue chalk writing on a concrete walkway reads, “I love you guys! – The LeMars.” Dappled sunlight and scattered leaves fall across the pavement, and part of a person’s leg and purple shoe is visible at the right edge. The message feels warm and affectionate, like a friendly note left to brighten someone’s day.
“I love you guys!”

 

White chalk writing on a paved surface reads, “Neighbors are always available to share hot chocolate! – Team Wasco Family.” Soft shadows fall across the pavement, and a few scattered leaves sit nearby, giving the message a warm, neighborly feel, like an open invitation to community and comfort.
“Neighbors are always available to share hot chocolate!”

 

Colorful chalk writing on a paved walkway reads, “life is a gift / Celebrate each day – Team Walk for James.” Tree‑branch shadows fall across the pavement, and a few scattered leaves rest nearby. The bright lettering and soft light give the message a creative, uplifting feel, like an invitation to appreciate the small moments.
Life is a gift. Celebrate each day.”

 

A pink chalk heart is drawn on a paved surface, outlined in soft, uneven strokes. Inside the heart, cursive writing reads “with much love.” Light shadows fall across the pavement, giving the simple drawing a warm, affectionate feel, like a quiet message left to brighten someone’s path.
“With much love”

 

Green chalk cursive on a paved surface spells out “I Love you.” Tree‑leaf shadows fall across the pavement, and the edge of a curb with grass and scattered leaves lines the right side. The message feels simple and heartfelt, like a quiet note left for someone special.
“I love you”

 

It was a really good turnout, and we were pretty wiped out when we got home. Thanks again for all of your support, kindness, and generosity. You all hold a special place in our hearts. I am looking forward to seeing what future events the Acts of Random Kindness club does.