NAMIWalks Vermont
What is NAMIWalks VT?
Volunteer Opportunities
Join Our Events Committee
Activities for the Day of the Walk
Call For Sponsors & Thank Yous
Thank you to everyone who participated in our NAMIWalks event on May 17, 2025. This year’s walk was incredibly impactful, with many people showing up despite the less-than-ideal weather conditions. We made significant progress, but there’s still time to fundraise and reach our goal. Thank you for supporting mental health for all!
What is NAMIWalks Vermont?
Individuals of all ages gather for NAMIWalks Vermont and join a 2.5K walk through Vermont. This walkathon is not just a fundraiser; it is a celebration of community, awareness, and mental health support.
It takes a collective effort to bring about change. That’s why we’re inviting passionate, dedicated, and like-minded individuals to join us for NAMIWalks and support our mission.
Together, we can make our voices heard and support Mental Health for All. Grab your friends or family and join the movement. Your efforts will help bring about meaningful change and support to those who need it the most.
Volunteer Opportunities
Would you like to help make sure that our event is fun, exciting, energetic, and runs smoothly? Sign up to volunteer for NAMIWalks Vermont! We will need help with event setup and breakdown, as well as assistance throughout the event itself. Let us know if you’re interested in helping by contacting Kathleen Kilbourne at 802-989-0586 or [email protected].
Interested in joining our Events Committee?
Are you ready to make a difference in your community? NAMI Vermont is looking for volunteers to join our team, help us create an impactful event, and fight the stigma associated with mental health.
Join our Events Committee and be part of the action every other Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Together, we’ll brainstorm, create, and execute the ultimate NAMIWalks experience. From selecting the ideal date and location to planning engaging activities and securing top-notch entertainment, your creativity and passion can help make this year’s event unforgettable!
Ready to step up and be a part of something special? Sign up today to volunteer for NAMIWalks Vermont and support mental health for all. Contact Kathleen Kilbourne at [email protected] or call 802-989-0586 to join us on this journey.
Activities for the Day of the Walk
The Hitmen Band
NAMI Vermont is excited to share that local band The Hitmen will be donating their time and talents to the Walk this year! The Hitmen cover a wide variety of songs, from the classics to today, with guitar, bass, keys, drums, and impressive harmonies.
From artists such as John Melloncamp, Santana, Steely Dan, The Eagles, The Doobie Brothers, and One Republic, to name a few. They’re based in the Burlington, Vermont area and ready to play for your special event or party!
Food Truck
Maharaja Spice
Maharaja Spice is more than just a place to grab and go. It is a place to savor authentic Indian street food made using recipes passed down for generations.
Specials
They serve a selection of street foods from many different parts of India, including the most popular savory snacks such as samosas and chat.
MC and Magic Show Steve Taubman
Dr. Steve, an ex-neurotic chiropractor from Long Island, transformed his life after battling anxiety and low self-esteem. Despite his success as a valedictorian and thriving practitioner, he sought deeper happiness through Western psychotherapy, Eastern mindfulness, hypnosis, and prosperity science. This journey led to his UnHypnosis system and a bestselling book.
Combining humor and magic, Dr. Steve created engaging presentations on mastering the subconscious mind, gaining popularity across professions. He inspires audiences worldwide to overcome mental barriers and achieve their dreams.
Now living in Vermont with his dog, Woody, he enjoys outdoor activities and flying to engagements. A deeply spiritual person, he loves helping others apply spiritual principles to their daily lives.
SAMBATUCADA
Sambatucada is an all-volunteer street bateria composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds, united by their passion for Brazilian music and percussion. Over the years, they have gained recognition throughout northern and central Vermont for their energetic performances at various events, including Burlington’s Discover Jazz Festival, First Night, Magic Hat Mardi Gras celebration, and the Vermont Pride Parade. They play a variety of Afro-Brazilian rhythms, including samba, samba-reggae, baiao and maracatu, using traditional percussion instruments including:
- Surdo – a large bass drum, the heartbeat of samba
- Caixa – a snare drum
- Tamborim, a small frame drum played with a flexible beater
- Triangle, Cowbell, and more.
Vermont Authors
Jodi Girouard is a Vermont native and author of four books, including her latest, The Long Hall, which reflects on her experience in a psychiatric hospital. Jodi’s writing aims to uplift others and reduce the stigma around mental health conditions.
Kris Francoeur is an author and educator from Vermont, with four contemporary romance novels published through Willow River Press and a memoir titled Of Grief, Garlic and Gratitude.
Lynette Davis is a writer, spiritual director, and mental health advocate. She serves as the Suicide Prevention Communications Coordinator for the Center for Health and Learning. Lynette has contributed to various publications and is the author of Success To Die For.
Kate Littlefield is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with nearly 20 years of experience. Based in Vermont on Abenaki land, she specializes in supporting parents and families through various services.
Grace’s Goods
We’re happy to announce that Grace’s Goods will be returning for NAMIWalks Vermont 2025! Their mission is to share, donate, and support those in need. Be sure to bring some cash and stop by their booth to grab a drink or snack.
Grace will generously donate some of the proceeds to NAMI Vermont, helping us expand our free mental health programs. To learn more about Grace’s Goods, check them out on Instagram: @gracesgoodsvt.
Picture of Grace’s Goods from NAMIWalks 2024
Arts & Crafts
Join NAMIWalks Vermont for a fun day of arts and crafts! We’ll provide activities such as rock painting and colorful streamers that everyone—kids and adults—can enjoy. It’s a great opportunity to get creative, spend quality time together, and create lasting memories. Last year, we collaborated with Milton’s Artist Guild, which provided us with the “You Are Not Alone” Heart painting project, where everyone had the opportunity to contribute. This artwork now hangs in our hallway as a reminder of the support we share and the message that no one is truly alone.
Call For Sponsors
Want to elevate your organization’s profile as a supporter of mental health for everyone? Consider sponsoring our walk! Our Walk Manager will provide you with all the materials, including the Sponsorship Tier List, which details the numerous benefits of partnering with us. If you’re interested in sponsoring our walk and would like to learn more, please contact Kathleen Kilbourne at 802-989-0586 or [email protected].
You can download the full Sponsorship brochure here.
Thank You to Our Sponsors…
Premier
Walmart
Walmart today is a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer dedicated to helping people save money and live better.
Gold
Champlain Cable
Committed to providing wire and cable solutions for the toughest problems in the world’s harshest environments.
Chroma
Our mission is to provide the best products and solutions for our customers’ ever-changing needs.
UVM Medical Center
The UVM Medical Center is part of a six-hospital network serving patients and their families in Vermont and northern New York.
NorthCountry Federal Credit Union
Our mission is to make dreams come true for all by offering personalized financial solutions.
Silver
National Life Group
Do good. Be good.
Make good.
Community Bank
A passion for providing the highest level of customer service in whatever we do.
Kinney Drugs Foundation
Our mission has always been about keeping people healthy.
Vermont Mutual Insurance Group
Protection for Your Personal and Business Needs.
Rutland Regional Medical Center
We Listen, We Respect, We Care
…Always!
Bronze
Waitsfield Telecom
Internet. Video. Wi-Fi. Phone.
We’ve got it all.
Spring Lake Ranch
Grow and thrive in a work-based therapeutic community.
Better Business Bureau
The BBB helps people find businesses they can trust.
Community Care Network
Supporting developmental, educational, and mental health needs.
Northwestern Counseling
Creating a stronger community one person at a time.
Howard Center
Clients are at the heart of our decision making.
Rotary Club of St. Albans
Membership Matters, Get Involved, Be Impactful, and Have Fun.
Supporter
Co-operative Insurance
Financial security and protection for property owners in VT and NH.
Clara Martin Center
Supports people by providing high-quality mental health and substance use services.
Heritage Toyota
Heritage Toyota – The best in sales, service, and personnel!
Cathy LaClair Jewelry Design
Quality Craftsmanship & jewelry to make you feel special. Every day.
BlueCross BlueShield of VT
We have a simple mission: make health care work better for all Vermonters.
The Vermont Country Store
We take great pride in offering a unique customer experience you won’t soon forget.
Northeastern VT Regional Hospital
Committed to improving the health and wellbeing of all.
Northwestern Medical Center
A truly special organization where you can expect to receive quality care.
Health Care and Rehabilitation Services
HCRS empowers people to reach their potential.
Grant Sponsor
Vermont Electric Coop
Lighting the path to affordable clean energy, together.
In-Kind
Hannaford
Our goal is to provide quality fresh foods, great service and dependable value.
Happy Products
We’re committed to transparency and support for growers.
Market 32 / Price Chopper
We’re not just in your neighborhood, we’re your neighbor.
The Hitmen
Based in the Burlington, Vermont area and ready to play for your special event or party!
Maharaja Spice
Delicious Indian Street Food On Wheels: Taste the flavors of India with every bite!
Maiden Vermont
A women’s a cappella chorus that specializes in barbershop-style harmonies.
Stuck in the Middle
We are SIM. Middlebury’s only a cappella group (don’t look it up).