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.
Join us on February 28 as we walk and fundraise for our neighbors experiencing homelessness. Every step supports The Winter Sanctuary, the only emergency homeless shelter in Knox County. Our mission is to provide seasonal, emergency shelter and connect guests with resources that empower them to become successful and self-sufficient.
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Walking together reminds us that compassion strengthens our community. No one should face the cold—or their struggles—alone. Join us for CNOYUSA and help make a warm, safe place possible for everyone.
CNOY Knox County
Join us on February 28th. Walk. Give. Volunteer. Make a difference.
👉 Register, donate, volunteer, or learn more:
https://cnoy.com/location/mountvernon
Music Credit (Used with License)
Music: Lunar Years — Bensound
Website: https://www.benso
Mount Vernon 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 >
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.
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.