More Than a Walk. A Movement of Gratitude.
The Gratitude Walk began with a simple but powerful idea: what if an entire community paused to reflect on what they’re grateful for?
Every November, hundreds of neighbors, friends, and families gather in Chico’s beloved Bidwell Park to walk together—not for competition, but for connection. Along the way, we celebrate the people and organizations that make our community stronger: our teachers, our first responders, our food banks, our volunteers.
We walk together to reflect, connect, and celebrate gratitude. We give together to support local nonprofits making a difference. We grow together a kinder, stronger, more connected Chico.
The community chooses three local nonprofits each year, and every dollar raised goes directly to them. This is gratitude in action—where appreciation becomes real support for the people doing good work in our backyard.
Our goal is to get the entire Chico community thinking about what they’re grateful for.
Days to Gratitude Walk
BENEFITS OF GRATITUDE
Based on an article from Harvard Health Publishing, in positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with:
- ❤️Greater happiness
- ❤️It helps people feel more positive emotions
- ❤️Relish good experiences
- ❤️Improve their health
- ❤️Deal with adversity
- ❤️Build strong relationships
With gratitude, people acknowledge the goodness in their lives. People usually recognize that the source of that goodness lies at least partially outside themselves. As a result, gratitude helps people connect to something larger than themselves as individuals — whether to other people, nature, or a higher power.
In Beauty May I Walk
What a beautiful song by Karen Drucker and video by Amy Steinberg. We are Grateful for Karen allowing us to post her song here as it is such a perfect reflection of GRATITUDE as you WALK.
Frequently Asked Questions
2026 Sponsors
Sponsor announcements coming soon! Interested in supporting the Gratitude Walk?
Become a SponsorFrequently Asked Questions
What is the Gratitude Walk?
The Gratitude Walk is an annual community charity walk held every November in Bidwell Park, Chico, California. Hundreds of neighbors, friends, and families gather to walk together, celebrate gratitude, and raise funds for three local nonprofits chosen by the community.
When is the Gratitude Walk 2026?
The Gratitude Walk 2026 is scheduled for November 7, 2026 in Bidwell Park, Chico, California.
How does the Gratitude Walk choose which nonprofits to support?
The community chooses three local nonprofits each year. Every dollar raised at the Gratitude Walk goes directly to these selected organizations. Past recipients have included the Boys and Girls Club of the North Valley, Jesus Center, Caring Choices, and many other Chico-area nonprofits.
Is the Gratitude Walk free to attend?
Yes, the Gratitude Walk is free to attend. Participants are encouraged to donate, and all donations go directly to the three selected local nonprofits. You can also support the walk by becoming a sponsor.
Where does the Gratitude Walk take place?
The Gratitude Walk takes place in Bidwell Park in Chico, California. Bidwell Park is one of the largest municipal parks in the United States and provides a beautiful setting for the community walk.
Who are the 2026 Gratitude Walk nonprofit recipients?
The 2026 Gratitude Walk recipients will be announced soon. Check back for updates or visit our Recipients page for the latest information.