On the last Saturday evening in February, when most of us are perfectly content to stay inside with a warm drink and a blanket, hundreds of members of our community choose to do the opposite. They laced up their boots, bundled up, and headed outside, on purpose to walk in the cold. They do it for one powerful reason: because some of our neighbors don’t have a choice.
That’s the heart of the Coldest Night of the Year, and on February 28, 2026, our community showed up in a big way.
The Night by the Numbers
We set a BIG goal for our 2026 walk: 200 walkers. We not only hit that goal but surpassed it as our community showed up and walked in support of our unhoused population. We had 213 community members who participated across 28 teams.
Why We Walked and Will Continue to Walk
Nest Community Shelter is LaPorte County’s only emergency shelter, serving Michigan City and La Porte. In a region where public transit is limited and unlit rural roads can stretch for miles, the distance between someone in crisis and a place of safety can feel insurmountable. Nest closes that gap, keeping the lights on, the heat running, and the doors open, regardless of the weather, the hour, or the circumstances that brought someone to their door.
Every dollar raised through the Coldest Night of the Year goes directly toward making that possible.
More Than a 5K
This year, we set out to make the Coldest Night of the Year more than just a walk, and we think we delivered. New family-friendly activities transformed the event into a full winter experience for all ages. Kids and adults alike were treated to the marshmallow snowmen after the walk, bag decorating with KaziDelicious Creations, and marveled at the frozen bubble station out on the route.
The Paladin Lakers Cheer team also greeted walkers as they left from the finish line and returned to the senior center after their laps puting a smile on everyone’s face and warming hearts.s
This Year’s Award Winners
One of the most beloved traditions of the Coldest Night of the Year is our annual awards, and this year did not disappoint.
The Abominable SnowFan Award — our top fundraiser — went to Jennifer Casper, who raised an incredible $795.00 for Nest.
The Sub-Zero Hero Award — our tribute to the walker who showed the greatest heart, grit, and determination on the course — was presented to Alex Lynn.
And the crowd favorite, the Frost in Show Award for best spirit, went to The Paladin Lakers Cheer team, who showed up to cheer everyone on and absolutely stole the show.
A Community That Shows Up
From our generous sponsors and volunteers who helped set up and run the event. To the delicious chili dinner provided by Swingbelly’s, this event was truly a community effort that warmed everyone’s hearts on a cold, windy night in Michigan City.
Thank You
To every walker who registered, every donor who gave, every volunteer who showed up, and every sponsor who made this event possible, thank you. You are the reason we can keep our doors open on the coldest nights of the year, and every night in between.
The 3rd Annual Coldest Night of the Year will be here before you know it, 2/27/27, so mark your calendars. We hope to see you there.
