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INSPIRE HOPE.
HONOR A CHILD. CELEBRATE A LIFE. The Rock & Walk for Babies is The TEARS Foundation's signature remembrance event to support local bereaved families in Massachusetts who have experienced a pregnancy or infant loss. The heart of our Rock & Walk is to let bereaved families know they are not alone. We strive to build awareness about pregnancy and infant loss by bringing the community together to support these families. As we rock in chairs or walk laps together, we honor the children whose names appear on butterflies lining the path and are reminded that we can find hope. We celebrate their lives by coming together as a community and rallying around these families. |
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
- Register as an individual or create a team with your family members, friends, & co-workers. Join us to walk in memory of a child you wish to honor or in support of families in our community.
- Share your fundraising page with family and friends and ask them to support the cause. Funds raised support the Center for Child Loss in Northborough, MA and the financial and emotional resource programs to help bereaved families in Massachusetts.
- On the event date, join us for a family-friendly, uplifting gathering as we Rock & Walk in honor of the babies we are missing. There is no set distance to walk - you can choose to participate in only the first Lap of Hope. We start with an opening ceremony with reading the names of the babies we are honoring and include the presentation of the Hero of Compassion Award. Many activities such as kids' crafts, memory board, outdoor games, free snacks and more are included with registration. Butterflies decorated with the babies' names line the path to the Reflection Tent with rocking chairs, which provides a serene and meaningful space to think of the baby you are honoring.
- The 7th Annual Massachusetts Rock & Walk for Babies presented by FullWell and Kimina Counseling will take place on Sunday, September 25, 2022 at Nashoba Regional High School in Bolton, MA from 9am-12pm.
FAQ's
-SHIRTS: TEARS and Rock & Walk Merchandise will be available to purchase at the Rock & Walk event, on a first-come, first-serve basis (not personalized). This year no shirts will be pre-ordered or customized. You are welcome to make your own team t-shirts for the event.
2022 FUNDRAISING INCENTIVES:
- Create your team and fundraise $250 or more before March 31st and earn a free personalized yard sign with your baby's name (one sign per team)
- Fundraise $350 or more before August 1st and earn a free Rock & Walk hoodie (based on individual fundraising total, NOT team total)
- Fundraise $500 or more before August 31st and earn a free personalized Butterfly House created by Blonde Elephant Crafts & Woodwork (one house per team may be earned, awarded to Team Captain).
- The top fundraising team (determined by $ raised) will lead the Lap of Hope and carry the Hope Banner at the 2022 Rock & Walk! (top team is determined when online registration closes on 9/23 at 11:59pm).
WALK REQUIREMENT: You are not required to walk a set distance. You can decide to participate in the first Lap of Hope and then enjoy other activities at the event.
PETS: There are no pets allowed on the field and track per the high school.
POP UP TENTS: You may bring a pop up tent for shade, but please note stakes are not allowed on the field. You must bring sand bags or weights.
2022 FUNDRAISING INCENTIVES:
- Create your team and fundraise $250 or more before March 31st and earn a free personalized yard sign with your baby's name (one sign per team)
- Fundraise $350 or more before August 1st and earn a free Rock & Walk hoodie (based on individual fundraising total, NOT team total)
- Fundraise $500 or more before August 31st and earn a free personalized Butterfly House created by Blonde Elephant Crafts & Woodwork (one house per team may be earned, awarded to Team Captain).
- The top fundraising team (determined by $ raised) will lead the Lap of Hope and carry the Hope Banner at the 2022 Rock & Walk! (top team is determined when online registration closes on 9/23 at 11:59pm).
WALK REQUIREMENT: You are not required to walk a set distance. You can decide to participate in the first Lap of Hope and then enjoy other activities at the event.
PETS: There are no pets allowed on the field and track per the high school.
POP UP TENTS: You may bring a pop up tent for shade, but please note stakes are not allowed on the field. You must bring sand bags or weights.
Thank you to our 2022 Sponsors!
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GIVING BACK
Funds raised at the Rock & Walk for Babies event support the emotional and financial resource programs provided to bereaved families in Massachusetts including:
- Necessary operating costs for the Center for Child Loss located in Northborough, MA
- Financial assistance programs for burial, cremation or memorial service costs
- Financial assistance program for purchasing a gravestone marker
- Training for peer companions and support group facilitators
- Providing support groups and peer companion meetings free of charge to bereaved families
- Purchasing grief resource books and materials for Lending Library
- Providing remembrance ceremonies, sibling support events, and family gatherings
- Creation of "Comfort Kits", which are given to families who meet in the Center or shipped on request
- Funding for additional special projects, like the donation of a CuddleCot to a local hospital
