Frequently Asked Questions

Donation FAQs

EVENT DETAILS

  • Saturday, May 17, 2024
  • Franklin Park Zoo (Boston, MA)
  • Registration and activities open at 7:00 AM
  • Opening Ceremony begins at 8:15 AM
  • Walk starts at 8:50 AM

PARKING
Parking is free! Please enter through the Zebra Entrance.

EVENT LOCATION
After parking, please follow the signs and head over to Nature's Pavilion (Mission Village location!)

Here's how to find us:

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HEART ANGEL REMEMBRANCE
Heart Angel families are invited to bring a framed photo or other remembrance for display in our Peace and Memorial area; materials to leave messages will also be available. <3

EVENT IS RAIN OR SHINE!
The Walk will be held rain or shine - please dress for the weather.  The event is outdoors so we suggest dressing in layers!  It may be colder in the morning and warm up throughout the day.
 

REGISTRATION

  • Please kindly inform your friends and family that donating to our cause (or to your team) does not automatically enroll them for the walk. Official registration is required to participate in the walk day festivities.
  • Registration, along with our event site and activities, will open at 7:00 AM. We recommend arriving when registration opens at 7:00 AM to enjoy all of our fun activities!  We also ask everyone to arrive prior to 8:00 AM and check in at the registration area.
  • Registration will be inside the large tent in the Nature’s Pavilion area and registration is required for all participants over the age of 2. Making sure that all your team members are pre-registered online will help to speed up the check-in process.
  • To check in, you can simply provide your name to a check-in volunteer.
  • If you are registered online, we will check you in, we’ll accept any donations that you may have to turn in (Cash, Check, or Credit Card), and direct you to pick up your walk t-shirt if you have raised over $100 as an INDIVIDUAL. (If you have earned a higher level incentive, you will receive an e-mail approximately 4 weeks after our event to claim your fundraising reward and can continue to fundraise until the deadline to qualify for your preferred incentive item!).
  • If someone has not registered online, they will be asked to complete a paper registration form and sign our event waiver. 
  • There is a limited amount of merch available for a donation at Registration so be sure to check it out!
  • After check-in/registration, ENJOY some fun activities!
     

ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE:

  • Remembrance of our Heart Angels and a celebration of our Heart Warriors 
  • Free admission to the Franklin Park Zoo
  • Hear remarks by Dr. Tom Miller, Division Chief of Pediatric Cardiology at MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children's Hospital
  • Activities and crafts by It's My Heart New England
  • Fun at the Camp Meridian table
  • Meet Noelle O'Hanlon, Miss Boston's Teen
  • Get your photo with a Stormtrooper 
  • Dance to tunes provided by our DJ
  • Get your face painted in fabulous colors
  • Enjoy a wild adventure and participate in a Zoo Scavenger Hunt
  • CHF Merch will be available for a donation
  • Bid on Auction items (open until 9am!)
  • And, our signature walk!!

PROGRAM
We will begin our walk program at approximately 8:15 AM.  Please be checked-in by 8:00 AM and gather in front of the podium at 8:15 AM to remember our heart angels, celebrate our heart warriors and learn about how your efforts are making a big difference in congenital heart defect research.  We encourage you to arrive at 7:00 AM to enjoy the activities prior to the start of our program!

FRANKLIN PARK ZOO NOTES

  • For the safety of your pets and of the animals at the zoo, only service dogs are welcome.
  • All registrants will receive a bracelet for Zoo Admission including family members/friends who may attend the walk but who are not planning to walk the route.
  • Restrooms are available near Nature’s Pavilion and noted on the map
  • There will be garbage receptacles available throughout the zoo. Please help keep it clean!
  • We will have complimentary light refreshments and water – additional food can be purchased at the Farmhouse Cafe after 10am (or bring your own snacks and picnic!).
  • The construction of our new Zoo exhibit continues at the front of the Zoo; you will see the construction fencing around the portion of the front greeting. This construction will NOT interfere with the walk!

Photos:

  • Event photos will be posted as soon as they are available
  • Professional photography services at select locations

Want to Get Involved?

Mailing in checks?

  • Please make checks and money orders payable to The Children's Heart Foundation.
  • Mail to: The Children's Heart Foundation, 5 Revere Drive, One Northbrook Place, Suite 200, Northbrook, IL 60062
  • Download offline donation form