Milwaukee
City on a Hill
64 Walkers|11 Teams|14 Volunteers
The Coldest Night of the Year is a winterrific family-friendly fundraising walk in support of local charities. Let’s gather together for people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness... because it’s cold out there.
About City on a Hill
Welcome to City on a Hill, where we believe in the power of community to transform cities and families.
In the bustling heart of Milwaukee, a tale of resilience and transformation unfolds across three zip codes—53233, 53208, and 53205—where some of the highest poverty rates in the country cast a shadow over the lives of countless children. Amid the vibrant neighborhoods like Avenues West, Washington Park, and Harambee, these children yearn for a brighter future. In response to the growing cry for change, in 2001, City on a Hill emerged as a beacon of hope, igniting a movement dedicated to healing and transforming lives.
A Community United
Our dedicated team has worked tirelessly to listen and co-design a plan focused on transformation in the lives of urban families in zip codes 53233, 53208, and 53205. We’ve developed a holistic approach that empowers our community members with the spiritual, social, educational, and economic resources they need to reach their full potential. By focusing on these critical areas, we’re restoring hope, reducing poverty, strengthening families, and fostering racial reconciliation.
Our Goal: A Future Free from Poverty
Today, we stand united in our commitment to end poverty in all its forms for the urban families we serve. We’ve set an ambitious goal: to reduce childhood poverty by 50% in the neighborhoods we serve by 2033. Working together with our alumni and partners, we’re dedicated to elevating 1,500 children out of poverty and improving the quality of life in our target zip codes by at least 30%.
The Path to Transformation
As we look to the future, we’re building a legacy of strong and healthy families, supportive communities, and opportunities for children to learn and thrive. Through our faith and our actions, we’re not just changing lives—we’re transforming the fabric of our city.
Join Our Movement
Are you ready to be a part of our story? We invite you to join our movement and help us create a world where every child has the chance to break free from poverty and achieve their dreams. Download our Journey of Transformation to learn more about how you can contribute to this incredible mission.
Together, we can make a difference—one family, one neighborhood, and one city at a time.
Milwaukee Scoreboard
Are you thrashing the competition (for a good cause)? Find out here! Stats are updated every 15 minutes. See how you stack up on the national scoreboard >
Community Sponsors
Milwaukee (City on a Hill) is super grateful for our fantastic 2026 sponsors! View all sponsors >
Event Day Details
Save the date - CNOY Day is February 28, 2026!
Schedule
- 4:00 pm: Meet Check-in
- 4:45 pm: Muster Gather for Opening Remarks
- 5:00 pm: Move Send-off
- 6:00 pm: Munch Light meal served
- 7:00 pm: Mosey Goodbye + see you in 2027!
Not able to join us in person at the Main Event? We hope you'll register, fundraise and walk offsite with friends and family.
Route Details
- Route Distances: Check out the maps below to see where we will be walking.
- Rest stop: Keep an eye out for opportunities to rest and refresh with yummy snacks along the route.
- Signage: Routes will be well-signed with our bold blue CNOY signs.
- Route Support: Route marshals, rest stop hosts, and support vehicle drivers provide support along the route.
- Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
- No Pets: We love our little furballs like you do, but pets are not permitted at the Coldest Night of the Year except for approved and trained service animals. Read more about our pet policy >
Check- in
- All walkers participating at the Main Event on Saturday, February 28, 2026 must check-in upon arrival.
- Beanies! Fundraising walkers who raise $150+ (or $75+ for those under 18) will receive a CNOY Beanie as a thank you on event day, while supplies last.
- Offsite fundraising walkers can contact their local event director to arrange toque pickup the week of the event.
Have questions? Visit the FAQ section!
Handling Money
- Credit Card: The Best Option! Simple, secure, automatically tax receipted for gifts of $20+. Visit the Donate page, share your personal page link, or have your donor call the CNOY Head Office.
- Checks: The Old Faithful - made out to Coldest Night of the Year with your name on the Memo line. Mail them to CNOY Head Office along with your completed pledge form.
- Cash: You have 2 options:
- 1. Login to FundHub, click “Enter $$ and Checks,” create pledges for your cash donations, pay them off with your personal credit card, and keep the cash. OR...
- 2. Write a check (made out to “Coldest Night of the Year”) for the total amount of cash you’ve collected. Mail it to the CNOY Head Office with your completed pledge sheet.
Waivers
All participants must register online and accept the electronic waiver.
- Adults accept the waiver automatically when they register online.
- Youth/Children under the age of majority need a waiver signed by their parent or guardian.
- An online form will be emailed to all parents/guardians before CNOY Day.
- You may also bring a filled-out printed waiver.
- Waivers will also be available at check-in on CNOY Day.
What to Bring
A few common sense suggestions:
- A cell phone for emergencies (recommended but not required)
- Good waterproof shoes/boots for walking
- Warm coat and mitts/gloves
- Extra snacks if you have allergies or food sensitivities
- Your own water bottle
- A passion for the charity you're walking and fundraising for!
2025 CNOY Photos
Special thanks to our many amazing volunteer photographers!
Contact Us
CNOY Milwaukee 2026
The CNOYUSA Team Participant & Donor Services
Toll Free 1.877.743.3413 / Phone 519.603.2250
Email milwaukee@cnoy.com