“I dedicate my walk to the teachers who support our community, and persevered through Covid.”
Hope & Gratitude Weekend is a virtual community-building fundraiser to celebrate unity, build our Project 351 community, and provide important resources for nonprofit organizations we admire. Together, we will raise funds for three amazing nonprofit organizations that have been selected by YOU. As you walk/run/hike/skate/bike/dance/swim/move 3.51 miles with friends & family in your hometown, we will share messages of gratitude for local unsung heroes. This year's Hope & Gratitude Weekend is dedicated to Cuerd@s, Martin Richard Foundation, and Shane Gives Thanks Food Pantry.
This year’s Hope & Gratitude Weekend is a special hybrid model:
● On May 20-21st, you’ll complete 3.51 miles in your hometown. Get ready to walk, run, swim, hike, skate, bike, or dance… 3.51 miles on a favorite route in your hometown anytime over that weekend! Invite family, friends, teammates, and peers to join you!
● On Saturday, June 10th, we will unite in HOPE & GRATITUDE at Leadership Reunion at Gillette Stadium! Together, we’ll complete an additional “last mile” in honor of our three nonprofit grantees, in gratitude to unsung heroes, and in celebration of the transformative impact made possible by the spirit of 35ONE!
So, get ready to walk, run, swim, hike, skate, bike or dance… 3.51+ miles on a favorite route in your hometown as we unite in HOPE & GRATITUDE! Fundraising for nonprofit beneficiaries is optional.
Key Dates
May 3 - Hope & Gratitude Weekend Informational Call
May 7 - Deadline to vote for our beneficiaries! Your vote matters!
May 8 - Fundraising Workshop
Nonprofit beneficiaries announced.
Fundraising tips, tools, and resources shared.
May 10 - Registration deadline! Register here
May 18 - Ready, Set, Hope & Gratitude! Community Call
May 20 - 21 - Walk/run/hike/bike/dance/swim/move 3.51 miles in your hometown on your own or with family & friends!
June 10 - Leadership Reunion at Gillette Stadium, including an additional “Last Mile” as a 35ONE community!
“Project 351 is one thing that shows me
that there will always be good in the world.”
Our Nonprofit Beneficiaries:
CUERD@S
Cuerd@s transforms thrifted and recycled pieces of clothing into wearable tools with which to soothe anxiety and mental health challenges by stitching on tactile patches, ensuring agency and dignity. Megan Burke, an Alumna of Project 351 & 2023 Service Hero, developed Cuerd@s out of a deep love for her sibling and a passion for clothing. She began in her college dorm room, embroidering textures onto a simple white t-shirt with the hope that it would provide her sibling with a sense of comfort and love while they were miles apart. The embroidery serves as a built-in de-escalation tool and reminds the wearer that they are safe, loved, and valued. Cuerd@s clothing can be found across the country in mental health inpatient psychiatric units and rehabilitation centers.
MARTIN RICHARD FOUNDATION
Founded in honor of 8-year-old Martin Richard who lost his life ten years ago at the tragic events that took place at the 2013 Boston Marathon, the Martin Richard Foundation works to advance the values of inclusion, kindness, justice, and peace by investing in community programs that broaden horizons for young people and encourage them to celebrate diversity and engage in positive civic action. Martin, a 2023 Service Hero, serves as an incredible representation of the power of youth activism. His legacy of peace and kindness has stemmed into an incredible movement of love, inclusivity, and compassion, which is stewarded by the Martin Richard Foundation. In honor of Martin, the foundation is committed to cultivating the next generation of thinkers, upstanders, and peacemakers.
SHANE GIVES THANKS FOOD PANTRY, in loving remembrance of Shane McColgan, Class of 2021, Carver
We are heartbroken at Shane's passing after 505 days of a courageous battle with cancer. He was 16 years old and a beloved son, brother, grandson, friend, and Project 351 Alumnus. This weekend, we unite in #35ONELoveforShane to support his life's mission to end hunger. As a young child, Shane founded Shane Gives Thanks Food Pantry to nourish families, children, and seniors in his hometown of Carver, and to strengthen the spirit of generosity and compassion. What began as a dream to feed hungry children now serves 1,300 neighbors each month. Shane believed that "a simple act of kindness can change the world". This weekend and forward, we carry his spirit forward to ensure his legacy of love-in-action endures.
Quick Facts
When: May 20-21, 2023. You can participate any time during that weekend!
What: We invite you to walk – or run, swim, hike, skate, bike, or dance – at least 3.51 miles, with hope & gratitude!
Where: Neighborhoods, treadmills, walking/biking trails, your favorite hometown route. Wherever it is safe to do so!
Attire: Project 351 tees! We will also share social media graphics, signage, and other tools you can use throughout the weekend to spread hope & gratitude.
Why: Express gratitude and build hope; demonstrate the leadership and transformative impact of 8th graders and high school students; develop effective fundraising and advocacy skills while raising critical financial resources for three nonprofit grantees; unite our state in shared vision and values & demonstrate that when we unite as 35ONE, extraordinary change is possible!
Goal: Our collective goal is 1,000 miles! That means we need a minimum of 285 participants to walk 3.51 miles – including YOU, your friends, and your family!!
Fundraising Resources
Fundraising is optional and not required for participation. Ambassadors and Alumni are invited to raise money through pledges and donations to The Ambassador Fund. Click on the button below to make a donation!
Review the Fundraising Toolkit to learn how to raise money for a cause or organization you are passionate about!
Use these templates to request donations from family, friends, and local businesses via email, text, and social media!
Download the Hope & Gratitude Weekend logos to create posters & social media graphics!
Post these graphics on social media with a request for followers to donate!
Download these posters to print, color, and carry with pride as you complete your 3.51 miles!
Post the Bingo board to your Instagram Story to collect donations via social media!
Share this overview of Hope & Gratitude Weekend and our beneficiaries with prospective donors!
Review the Fundraising Workshop Recap for more inspiration & best practices!
Review the “Ready, Set, Hope & Gratitude Weekend” Community Call slides & recording!
Hope & Gratitude Weekend Images:
“Project 351 reminds me that having faith and hope
— and our unity through service for others —
are the most important ways to get through these tough times.”