$36,276181%Goal:
$20,000
Ottawa
Hosted by Illinois Valley PADS
The Coldest Night of the Year is a winterrific family-friendly walk in support of local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness. Join us on February 24, 2024 - team up, fundraise, walk, and take a moment to look closer... because it’s cold out there.
2024 CNOY Photos
Thanks to all of our amazing volunteer photographers! If you've got CNOY Day photos or videos you'd like to share, contact photos@bluesea.org.
Ottawa 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 >
The Challenge
Got a big-hearted business, workplace, group, church, or community? Step up and join the Challenge to compete for your local pride in support of CNOY. Check the National Challengeboard to see more!
About Illinois Valley PADS
ILLINOIS VALLEY PADS – IV PADS (with shelters in Ottawa and in Peru) is dedicated to providing safe shelter, nourishing food, and access to critical services to those in need in the Illinois Valley community.
WALKING IN THE COLD, IGNITING WARMTH: JOIN US TO FIGHT HOMELESSNESS
As the cold winds of winter approach, we invite you to join IV PADS for a cause that warms the heart and kindles hope. Every step we take in the cold will be a step towards change, a step towards a community where no one is left out in the cold.
On February 24, 2024, we’ll brave the chill together, not just to experience the cold, but to stand in solidarity with those who face the bitter cold of homelessness every day. Our steps will echo a collective determination to make a difference and provide warmth to those in need.
WHY WE WALK:
PROVIDE FUNDING–The faces of homelessness are increasing in the Illinois Valley community, and so is the need for immediate, compassionate action.
BUILDING SHELTER–Funds raised will directly contribute to the increasing needs of Illinois Valley PADS as it provides safe refuge, warmth, food, and support for those experiencing homelessness.
COMMUNITY UNITY–Coming together is a testament to our unity as a community. When we walk together, we are not just raising funds; we are demonstrating that compassion and empathy are the foundations of our community.
HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE:
Start a Team and Register; Donate; Spread the Word
LET’S CREATE A RIPPLE OF CHANGE
To learn more about IV PADS please visit our website ativpads.com or follow us on FB - http://facebook.com/IllinoisValleyPADS
Event Day Details
Save the date - CNOY Day is February 24, 2024!
StartGoogle Map
101-123 W Main St, Ottawa, IL 61350
We will be starting and ending at the Jordon Block. The Jordon Block is a local well-known outdoor event space in Ottawa, IL. It is directly across the street from the iconic LaSalle County Courthouse.
https://pickusottawail.com/murals/name/jordan-block/
Schedule
- 4:00 pm: Meet Check-in + Welcome
- 5:00 pm: Move Send-off
- 6:00 pm: Munch Light meal served
- 7:00 pm: Mosey Goodbye + see you in 2025!
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: All 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.
- 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 24, 2024 must check-in upon arrival.
- Toques! Fundraising walkers who raise $150+ (or $75+ for those under 18) will receive a CNOY toque as a thank you on event day, while supplies last.
- (Psst... a toque is what CNOYers call that trademark winter hat. Read more here: CNOY toque)
- 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 CNOY Head Office.
- Checks: The Old Faithful - made payable to Blue Sea Philanthropy USA with the name of the walker or team on the memo line. Mail them to CNOY Head Office along with your completed pledge sheet. (Scroll down to find the address)
- 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 "Blue Sea Philanthropy USA”) 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 this year and accept the electronic waiver.
- Adults accept the waiver automatically when they register online.
- Youth/Children under 18 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
Ottawa Maps
Check out this year's CNOY route maps below:
Loop once for just under 2km, 3 times for 5km
Contact Us
CNOY Ottawa 2024
The CNOY USA Team Participant & Donor Services
Toll Free 1.877.743.3413 / Phone 519.603.2250
Email ottawa@cnoy.com