Welcome to Stride to Serve

Introducing Stride to Serve: Moving With Purpose, Serving With Heart

In every community, there are people who want to get active, people who want to give back, and people who want to feel more connected—but rarely do all three happen in the same space. Stride to Serve was created to change that. Stride to Serve is a new nonprofit built around a simple idea:

When we move our bodies and serve our neighbors together, good things happen.

We become healthier, more connected, and more aware of the needs around us. Communities get stronger. And doing good becomes something we look forward to— not just one more item on a to-do list.

What Is Stride to Serve?

Stride to Serve hosts community events that combine movement (walking, running, or biking) with local service projects. Each event includes:

* A meet-up and warm welcome;

* A walk or run (up to 45 minutes) at your own pace;

* A short, hands-on volunteer activity with a local organization;

* Time to connect and celebrate with others.

The structure is intentional: energize, serve, and bond throughout. The goal is not performance or competition—it’s participation, community, and shared purpose.

We partner with local organizations to support real needs in the community—everything from assembling essential kits, to helping neighborhood groups, to supporting housing, hunger, and youth programs.

Why We Created Stride to Serve

Most people want to do more good in the world. Most people also want to feel healthier and more connected. But modern life makes it surprisingly difficult:

* Volunteering often feels like a big time commitment.

* Fitness activities can feel isolating or intimidating.

* Social connection is harder than ever, despite being deeply needed.

Stride to Serve was created to lower those barriers by offering events that are:

Short & approachable

You don’t have to block out an entire Saturday to make a difference. Our events are designed to fit into real life.

Welcoming to all ages and abilities

Whether you walk slowly, run hard, or bring a stroller, you belong.

Social, meaningful, and fun

You don’t just show up—you meet people, accomplish something together, and leave feeling better than when you arrived.

Locally impactful

Every event supports organizations serving the community right now. You see the good you’re contributing to.

The Benefits of Participating

Stride to Serve isn’t just an event—it's an experience. People join for different reasons, but nearly everyone walks away with benefits that last well beyond the day.

1. Better Physical Health

Light-to-moderate movement boosts energy, reduces stress, and supports overall well-being. Our events offer a no-pressure way to be active—with others cheering you on.

2. Stronger Mental and Emotional Well-Being

Serving others is one of the most reliable ways to feel happier and more grounded. Combined with movement and community, it becomes even more powerful.

3. Genuine Social Connection

You’re not networking. You’re not making small talk.

You’re doing something meaningful, side by side, which naturally creates connection. Many participants say it’s the easiest way they’ve found to meet new people.

4. A Sense of Purpose and Contribution

You leave not just with a workout completed, but with a tangible impact made. You know your effort matters—and that feels good.

5. A Positive Community Identity

Stride to Serve creates a culture of service, movement, and kindness. Being part of that encourages people to keep showing up—for themselves and for others.

Our Hope for the Community

We believe this model — movement + service + connection — can become a new way people gather.

Not an obligation.

Not a competition.

Not a meeting.

But an experience of joy, energy, and shared purpose.

Our hope is simple:

That people feel healthier, more connected, and more hopeful because they participate.

And that communities become stronger one stride—and one act of service—at a time.