Highmark Virtual Walk for a Healthy Community raises over $800,000 for 249 local nonprofits

PITTSBURGH (October 22, 2021) — The 19th annual Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community, held virtually this year officially concluded its 2021 online fundraising campaign this month raising just over $813,000 for 249 local nonprofits in Pittsburgh, Laurel Highlands (Johnstown/Altoona), Erie, Harrisburg, Leigh Valley, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, and Wilmington, Delaware.

Highmark announced in February that the annual walk would again be held virtually and would offer online fundraising instead of holding events throughout Pennsylvania and Delaware due to COVID-19.

"For the second year in a row, the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community was held virtually, coupled with online fundraising, and we are thrilled with the results” said Yvonne Cook, vice president of community programs, Highmark Health. “We are so proud that we can help contribute to the development of the 249 participating community nonprofit organizations, that have never had the opportunity, staff, or other resources to hold a major fundraising event of their own.”

Since 2003, the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community has raised nearly $16.8 million for over 500 nonprofits across Pennsylvania and in Delaware.  Organizations use the money raised to build capacity for their mission, expand resources, and extend their work in the community.

Highmark coordinates and underwrites the cost of the walk so that 100 percent of the money raised by walkers goes directly to participating nonprofits.

We are currently accepting applications from local community-based organizations for next year’s event. Online applications can be found at the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community.