Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 19, and join Lake Christian Ministries at SML State Park for the 2026 SML Walk to End Poverty. LCM's signature fundraising event brings the community together to raise critical funds for local families facing food insecurity, housing instability, and other financial hardships.

Thanks to a generous Walk to End Poverty sponsors, a dollar-for-dollar match is available for the first $55,000 raised. Every donation made before or during the event has twice the impact. Together, we can once again reach our $150,000 goal to help neighbors in need.

"Every year, we're reminded how compassionate this community truly is," said LCM Executive Director Jane Winters. "When people come together for the Walk to End Poverty, they're doing more than raising money. They're providing hope, stability, and essential support for families who are working hard to overcome difficult circumstances."

Participants may register individually or as a team. Registration is $5 for ages 17 and under and $10 for adults. Choose a scenic 5K or 10K walk or run route through SML State Park. On-site registration begins at 9 a.m., with the walk and run starting at 10 a.m. Lunch, music and awards follow at 11 a.m. The event will be held rain or shine.

"Whether you walk, donate or encourage others to participate, every person has the opportunity to make a meaningful difference," Winters said. "Together, we can help ensure our neighbors have the resources they need not just to get by, but to move forward."

To register or donate, visit smlwalktoendpoverty.com.

Step Up. Dine Out. Make a Difference.

Two fundraisers offer fun and meaningful ways to support Lake Christian Ministries

After raising $5,460 in its inaugural year, Dine Out to Lift Up returns August 19 through September 19 with even more opportunities to support Lake Christian Ministries in the four weeks leading up to the SML Walk to End Poverty.

Organized in partnership with SML Insiders, this month-long fundraiser invites you to dine at participating restaurants, where 10% of your purchase on designated dates will benefit LCM’s food assistance programs.

We're continuing to add restaurants, so be sure to visit dineouttoliftup.com for the latest participating locations and dates. Organize a group of friends to join you for Dine Out to Lift Up evenings at your favorite SML restaurants. This is one of the easiest (and tastiest!) ways to support your neighbors in need!

Save the Date for the 2026 SML Walk to End Poverty

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$50,000 Matching Challenge Means Donations Work Twice as Hard!‍ ‍

The annual SML Walk to End Poverty, LCM’s largest annual fund-raising event, will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at SML State Park. Once again, donors can double their gifts thanks to event and supporting sponsors who will be matching, dollar for dollar, the first $50,000 donated. Donations will be accepted from June 30 to September 19 online at smlwalktoendpoverty.com. Checks may  be mailed to Lake Christian Ministries, P.O. Box 695, Moneta, VA  24121 with a memo designation for “2026 Walk”.‍‍ ‍

On September 19, registration starts at 9 a.m.; walkers and runners - participating as individuals or members of church, school, civic group, business, and neighborhood teams - depart for the 5 K or 10 K course at 10 a.m. A free hot-dog lunch, prizes, and socializing follow at the SML State Park Beach Pavilion. Proceeds will enable Lake Christian Ministries to continue providing vital programs and services that address the growing number of SML-area families struggling with poverty which is especially critical as costs for food, housing, and utilities remain high. ‍‍ ‍

In 2025, Lake Christian Ministries addressed 15,252 food requests, provided crisis financial aid to prevent homelessness and keep utilities on for 1,426 individuals, and assisted 342 families with community connections, educational opportunities, and job readiness services. During the first half of the year, we have seen a 12% increase in the number of families seeking our services, so we anticipate higher service numbers for 2026.            ‍‍ ‍

Volunteers are Needed for the Walk‍ ‍

Volunteers are always needed to serve on the Walk to End Poverty planning team, which meets from June to September, or help with the coordination of the event on September 19.  If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact Jane Winters at lcmexdr@gmail.com. More information about this important event will be provided later this summer. Until then, save the date and plan to join us for a fun morning in the park on September 19. Dogs that play nicely with others are welcome too!

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