What better way to kick off 2026 than to walk an outdoor 5K along beautiful Lake Michigan in February to raise awareness and funds for our unhoused community! This family-friendly event is back for its second year after a roaring success last year. Last year’s event gathered more than 100 walkers to raise funds, take in the brisk air, and raise awareness of the elements our unhoused population faces daily during the cold-weather months.
What is The Coldest Night of the Year?
This is a family-friendly fundraising event that builds awareness and support for our unhoused community. Participants are encouraged to either form or join a team, set a fundraising goal, and walk in support at the Coldest Night of the Year event. Last year, our community showed up to walk- with strollers, toddlers, with those who had mobility issues, moms and dads, community partners, and so many more. At the end of the night, participants were invited to gather for a community meal.
This walking fundraiser was enjoyed by all and raised much-needed funds for Nest Community Shelter and Nest La Porte.
Why a 5K in February?
Typically, in our area, outdoor athletic events are confined to the warmer months of the year, and certainly not when regular snowfall is in the picture. When we combine this with the special “treats” such as brutal wind and lake-effect snow that Lake Michigan provides us, this doesn’t exactly lend itself to an outdoor event. But this is where the magic and the spirit of this event shine. This nationally held event kicks off across the country at the same time, on the same date (This year, February 28th, with registration opening at 4 pm.) The reason this 5K walk is held in February is to highlight the reality our unhoused population faces during these brutally cold months. Even for those sheltering at Nest for the night, our unhoused population typically spends more time in the elements than most people. For those who have not utilized support services, the cold isn’t simply an annoyance; it can be life-threatening. We walk out in the cold to walk in the footsteps of our unhoused population.
How Do I Get Involved in Coldest Night of the Year?
Sounds like fun, right? Believe us, it’s a blast and a great outdoor activity that’s good for you and the community. There are a few ways to get involved.
Walk: Consider building a team of your own, or joining a team to walk at the Coldest Night of the Year 2026! YOu can learn more about how to join a team, form your own team, or simply sign up to walk by clicking the button below.
Volunteer: This is a large event spread across Washington Park in Michigan City that requires a full team of volunteers. We need volunteers staged through our route in Washington Park, set up and tear down crews, as well as kitchen help, and assistance with check in. There are lots of fun ways to help with this unique event. If you’d like to learn more or volunteer for this event, please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator Katie Swistek at Kswistek@nestcommunityshelter.org.
Sponsor this event:
We are currently looking for event sponsors for Coldest Night of the Year 2026. If you or a business you know is interesting in sponsoring this event please reach out to to info@nestcommunityshelter and please put SPONSORSHIP CNOY in the subject heading.
This event is well attended and quickly becoming a hallmark winter event in Michigan City. This is a great way to do good in the community and reach your target audience.
Have More Questions:
Nest Community Shelter has an entire page dedicated to our Coldest Night of the Year Fundraiser. You can read more about this event, get some great stats, look at the teams and so much more on the Coldest Night of the Year website. Click here to take a look.
