On Sunday August 20, 2023, thousands of supporters of CHOC (Children’s Hospital of Orange County) headed to the Disneyland Resort for the return of the CHOC Walk in the Park. The last CHOC Walk in the Park was in 2019, before the pandemic. Since then, the CHOC Walk went digital and then last year became a CHOC Adventure. This year, the CHOC Walk in the Park took place as the remnants of Hurricane Hilary, now a tropical storm, came down on the Disneyland Resort. This, however, didn’t dampen any spirits. The morning was full of magic and memories were made as supporters walked the 5K in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure before departing through Downtown Disney District.
As has been the tradition for several years now, Team Daps Magic was in attendance of the CHOC Walk. The goal this year was to raise $5,000 (we are almost there, you can help reach this goal at chocwalk.org/dapsmagic). The team arrived to park before the lots opened at 4:00 AM. By 4:30 AM, the team was waiting in line at the Main Gate to Disneyland. Within an hour, the team and thousands of other walkers made their way onto a wet Main Street, USA to where a stage as set up for the opening ceremony.
The opening ceremony began shortly before 6:00 AM. As the rain came down, the Disneyland Ambassador team kicked things off along with with some other familiar faces. This included Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock, CHOC CEO Kimberly Chavalas Cripe, and perhaps most importantly, the CHOC Ambassador with this family. This year’s CHOC Ambassador, Hudson, was diagnosed with kidney cancer when he was only 15 months old. This morning he celebrated, with all in attendance, 12 years of being cancer free! He shared his story, as can be seen in the ceremony below. After Hudson and his mother shared his story and the impact of CHOC and the CHOC Community, the family was joined by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on the stage for a quick photo. This was followed by a quick countdown and CHOC Walk began!
This year’s CHOC Walk was a wet walk through the parks that was full of laughter, smiles, and friends new and old. There is always something special about walking with thousands of strangers who instantly become friends during CHOC Walk. This year’s walk was even more special. The rain added to the bonding experience of this special day and event. It might have even highlighted the importance of what was being done with the walk. After all, it is the least that supporters could do to walk through the rain when one thinks about what the children at CHOC are often going through. A little rain is nothing like facing the unknowns of the different medical conditions these kids bravely face. It also was a reminder about how CHOC brings joy and support to the children and their families that are at the hospital. Along the way there were Disney characters, Disney VoluntEARS cheering walkers on, Cast Members also encouraging the walkers, and the Disney magic was extra magical as the rain came down.
This year, Team Daps Magic created a shared folder where anyone on the team could contribute photos or videos that were taken throughout the CHOC Walk. The team also created a video that would give a first person look at what it is like to experience CHOC Walk. You can see both of these below and see what a special and memorable day this was.
CHOC Walk 2023 Full Experience – Disneyland Resort – August 20, 2023 4K
CHOC Walk in the Park History
The CHOC Walk in the Park at the Disneyland Resort is a fundraising event that began in 1990. The first walk was a 5-mile course that started at Main Place Mall in Santa Ana and ended in the Disneyland parking lot. The event was a success, raising over $1 million for Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC).
In 2002, the CHOC Walk moved to the Disneyland Resort. The new event, called “CHOC Walk in the Park,” was a 5K route that took walkers through Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, and the Downtown Disney District. The event was a huge success, raising over $550,000 in its inaugural year.
The CHOC Walk in the Park has continued to grow in popularity over the years. In 2023, the event is expected to raise over $2 million for CHOC. The event is now the largest and most unique pediatric fundraiser in the nation.
The CHOC Walk in the Park is a beloved event that brings the community together to support a great cause. The event is a celebration of children and their resilience, and it is a reminder that together, we can make a difference in the lives of kids.
Here are some of the highlights of the CHOC Walk in the Park over the years:
- In 2004, the event became CHOC’s first-ever million-dollar event.
- In 2010, the event celebrated its 20th anniversary with a record-breaking turnout of over 10,000 walkers.
- In 2019, the event raised over $2 million for CHOC, the most money ever raised in a single year.
The CHOC Walk in the Park is a truly special event that makes a real difference in the lives of kids. Support CHOC and CHOC Walk today at chocwalk.org/dapsmagic.
What do you think of this year’s CHOC Walk in the Park that took place during Tropical Storm Hilary? Have you participated in the CHOC Walk in the Park? Will you be participating next year? Will you be joining Team Daps Magic? We’d love to have you! Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
