photo by: Ann Dean

Participants in the 2022 edition of Van Go's "May Day Hey Day" fundraiser stop for a photo after finishing their trip along the Lawrence Loop.

People who are looking for an especially active way to stretch their philanthropic muscles will soon have a good opportunity.

The social service agency Van Go is gearing up to host its “May Day Hey Day” fundraiser on May 6. The annual event invites community members to “walk, ride, roll and run” along the Lawrence Loop in East Lawrence and end their trek with an outdoor party at Van Go, 715 New Jersey St., from 10 a.m. to noon.

The fundraiser benefits the agency’s Go Healthy wellness initiative, which includes programming related to mental health support, healthy snacks and summer lunches, and wellness education. Eliza Darmon, one of the agency’s co-directors, told the Journal-World Monday that it’s important to the agency for the fundraiser to align with the goals of the initiative it’s raising money for.

photo by: Ann Dean

Participants walk along a portion of the Lawrence Loop in East Lawrence during the 2022 edition of Van Go’s “May Day Hey Day” fundraiser.

But not only that, Darmon added. It’s also intended to act as a celebration of the neighborhood Van Go calls home.

“The idea is just to pair the event with what we’re raising money for; that’s what’s important to us, but also to celebrate East Lawrence and being on the Lawrence Loop,” Darmon said.

To that end, the parking lot party outside Van Go will feature many of the agency’s East Lawrence neighbors. Decade’s Cellar Door Cafe will be on hand with bagels and coffee, Bon Bon Cocktail Club will offer a morning cocktail, and the Jungle House plant shop will host a succulent planting station.

Darmon said it was also important to the agency to make the fundraiser accessible so folks can participate in ways that feel comfortable. Multiple ticket prices are on offer — $25 for a ticket, or $40 for a ticket plus an event T-shirt. Van Go can suggest starting points along the Lawrence Loop depending on what’s most physically accessible. The agency has suggested 1-mile, 3-mile and 5-mile routes listed on its website.

Those who opt for a longer trip will run into several points of interest along the trail, Darmon said, including a cheering station manned by Van Go youths at Hobb’s Park — at the corner of Delaware and 11th streets — and some rare reptiles on display at Burroughs Creek Park, located right off East 15th Street.

Tickets are available for purchase here or by calling Van Go at 785-842-3797 and will remain on sale until the event starts on May 6.