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17th Annual Jordan's Furniture

Walk/Run for Adoption

   Sunday, May 17th, 2026

   10:00am - 1:00pm

   Jordan's Furniture, 450 Revolutionary Drive, Taunton, MA

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Join us for the 17th Annual Jordan's Furniture Walk/Run for Adoption!

At MARE, we know that all children deserve a safe, loving place to call home. However, the reality is that in Massachusetts, there are currently 1,400 children and teens in foster care awaiting adoption who have no relatives or other potential adopters. 

That's why we're hosting our 17th Annual Jordan's Furniture Walk/Run for Adoption! This main event includes festivities, food, games, balloons, and family-friendly fun! Walkers and runners are invited to complete a 5k fun-run, consisting of three loops around the course. All the funds raised from this event go towards helping children and teens in foster care find adoptive homes!

Registration opens February 9th!

Event Day Activities

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The Walk/Run for Adoption is designed as a full morning of movement, connection, and community. When you arrive, you’ll find a lively, family-friendly event space with activities happening throughout the morning.

Kids can decorate frisbees, play oversized lawn games, get their faces painted, meet balloon artists and caricature painters, and take part in fun photo opportunities, while adults connect and settle in before the walk begins.

 

10:30 AM — Walk/Run for Adoption

At 10:30 AM, walkers and runners will head out on the 5K course. Participants are encouraged to move at their own pace, whether you’re walking with friends, pushing a stroller, or going for a run. This portion of the day is about being together and showing visible support for youth in foster care.

Community Lunch & Picnic

After the Walk/Run, participants are invited to gather for a community lunch. We encourage you to bring a blanket or lawn chairs and settle in for a relaxed, picnic-style meal alongside fellow walkers, runners, families, and supporters.

This is a chance to slow down, connect, and spend time with others who care about supporting youth in foster care, whether you’re catching up with friends or meeting new people. Come as you are and stay awhile.

Kids Race

The morning wraps up with a kids race, giving younger participants their own moment to shine and closing out the day on a joyful note.

Raffle & Prizes

Throughout the event, participants will have the chance to enter our raffle featuring prizes donated by generous local businesses and sponsors. From gift cards to family-friendly experiences, the raffle is a fun way to support the Walk/Run for Adoption and celebrate the community partners who make this day possible.

Raffle winners will be announced at the end of the event.

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Other Ways to Participate

Can’t join us in Taunton? There are still great ways to take part.

Attend Our Worcester Walk/Run for Adoption

Can’t make it to Taunton? We’re also hosting a Walk/Run for Adoption in Worcester on May 9 at Quinsigamond Lake Park, bringing our community together to support youth in foster care on their path to permanency.

  Sunday, May 9th, 2026
  10:00am - 1:00pm
Quinsigamond State Park, 10 N. Lake Ave., Worcester, MA 01612

Register

Walk-In-A-Box

Walk in a Box is a new way to take action wherever you are. Host your own Walk/Run for Adoption in your community, workplace, or neighborhood—we’ll provide a starter kit with the basics and guidance to help you get started.

Learn More

Participate Virtually

Participate as a Virtual Walker to spread awareness about adoption from foster care wherever you may be! 

Be sure to tag your photos at #WalkRun4Adoption!

Register 

Get your free shirt on race day!

Upon registration you’ll receive this year’s official event T-shirt, our way of saying thank you for showing up for youth in foster care and helping raise awareness about the need for safe, permanent families.

Participants registered for an in-person walk will receive their shirt on race day at check-in. If you’re joining us virtually, your shirt will be mailed directly to you so you can wear it proudly wherever and whenever you complete your walk or run.

Whether you’re walking alongside hundreds of community members or creating your own walk in your neighborhood, this shirt is a visible reminder that you’re part of a statewide effort to build life-changing connections for youth who wait the longest.

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Fundraising Made Simple

Fundraising is a meaningful part of the MARE Walk/Run for Adoption—and we know it can feel intimidating to get started. That’s why we’ve created a Fundraising Guide with practical tips, sample messaging, and easy ideas to help you reach your goal.

Whether you’re new to fundraising or looking for fresh inspiration, this guide is designed to support you every step of the way as you raise critical funds that help MARE build life-changing connections for youth in foster care.