The Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center will hold a benefit on Saturday, October 20 at Coney Island for the Cincinnati Walks for Kids.

Cincinnati Walks for Kids is more than just a fundraising walk; it is about family fun and celebration. The day begins with the opening ceremony to honor the patients, families and caregivers of the medical center, as well as to thank the community for its commitment to the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.

People of all ages can participate in the walk. Just register online at www.cincinnatichildren’s.org/walk. Strollers, wagons and wheelchairs are all welcome. However, with the exception of service dogs, Coney Island does not allow pets on their property.

There is no registration fee to participate in the walk, conversely, each walker is simply asked to raise at least a total of $25. All walkers who meet this $25 goal will receive a Cincinnati Walks for Kids T-shirt. For those individuals and teams who raise even more funds additional prizes can be earned. All of the proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in helping them provide hope and healing to the children and families cared for by the medical center.

The walker check-in will be held from 8-10 a.m. on the day of the walk. The walk will begin after the opening ceremony around 10 a.m..

Walkers are given the option to choose either a 3-mile or a 1-mile walking route. As each walker crosses the finish line they will receive a finisher’s ribbon. Following the walk, participants will receive a complimentary lunch. Throughout the day, participants can enjoy a festive atmosphere where children can create a helping hands wreath, ride five classic Coney Island rides, and even have their faces painted. Families can also visit the Remembrance Garden, a serene setting to honor loved ones.

“This is the seventh year for the walk, and each year gets better and better,” says Christina Mihalek, walk coordinator. “You always hear inspiring stories from the patients and families of Cincinnati Children’s, and it’s moving to see how the care the medical center has provided unites them. Cincinnati has such a strong community spirit, and that is truly shown at Cincinnati Walks for Kids.”

Lead sponsors for the Cincinnati Walks for Kids include Coney Island and Messer Construction Co.

As a nonprofit hospital and research center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital relies on events like the Cincinnati Walks for Kids to help fund life-saving research, patient care and education. Since the walk’s foundation, nearly $4 million has been raised in support of the hospital.

For more information about the Cincinnati Walks for Kids, to register, or to support a walker, please visit www.cincinnatichildrens.org/walk or call 513-636-2941.

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center is third in the nation in U.S. News and World Report’s 2012 Best Children’s Hospitals ranking. It is ranked #1 for neonatology and in the top 10 for all pediatric specialties. Cincinnati Children’s is one of the top two recipients of pediatric research grants from the National Institutes of Health. It is internationally recognized for improving child health and transforming delivery of care through fully integrated, globally recognized research, education and innovation.