Chandler Community to Come Together for 5th Annual Mental Wellbeing Walk on Oct. 17

CHANDLER, Ariz. — For five years, the Ready Set Go Foundation has brought the community together around one important message: no one should have to struggle with their mental wellbeing in silence.

On Saturday, October 17, the Ready Set Go Foundation will host its 5th Annual Mental Wellbeing Walk, powered by Michael A. Pollack, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at New Square in Downtown Chandler, 180 S. Arizona Ave.

The free community event will bring together residents, families, community leaders, East Valley elected leaders, Chandler’s Mayor and Councilmembers, businesses, and advocates for a morning focused on mental well-being, community support, and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health.

Community and elected leaders will provide remarks throughout the morning. Participants will also enjoy a DJ, yoga, a nice walk, community resources, and a first-come, first-served breakfast provided by Chick-fil-A at Ocotillo Road and Arizona Avenue in Chandler.

For The Honorable O.D. Harris, Chandler Councilmember and founder of the Ready Set Go Foundation, the fifth anniversary represents more than a milestone. It represents five years of creating a space for conversations that are too often avoided.

“Sometimes the strongest thing a person can do is say, ‘I need help,’” Harris said. “This walk reminds people that they are not alone. Mental wellbeing impacts our families, workplaces, businesses, and our entire community. There is strength in reaching out and strength in showing up for one another.”

An important part of this year’s walk will be recognizing Mental Wellbeing Champions—individuals whose leadership, service, advocacy, and commitment have helped strengthen mental wellbeing throughout the community. Grad Solutions and IWantMyDiploma.com have sponsored the Mental Wellbeing Champion.

This year, the recognition will take on an even deeper meaning as the Ready Set Go Foundation honors the life and legacy of Micaiah E. Thomas. Moving forward, Micaiah E. Thomas’s name will appear on every Mental Wellbeing Champion Award, ensuring his memory and legacy live on through this annual recognition.

Micaiah’s mother, Doretta Thomas, will help present each award to this year’s Mental Wellbeing Champions.

“As Micaiah’s mother, it means more than words can express to know that his name will live on through these awards. Micaiah faced a struggle that so many people carry silently. If his story can help another person speak up, seek help, or remind a family to pay closer attention to someone they love, then his life continues to make a difference. I am honored to stand in his memory and help recognize people who are working to make sure others know they are not alone.”

The Micaiah E. Thomas Memorial Fund continues his legacy by raising awareness about mental wellbeing and encouraging families and communities to support those who may be struggling.

Founded in 2014, the Ready Set Go Foundation works to strengthen communities, support entrepreneurs, and promote mental wellbeing.

“This is bigger than a walk,” Harris said. “For five years, we have walked because somebody needs to know they matter. We walk for those still fighting, for families supporting their loved ones, and in memory of those we have lost.”

The 5th Annual Mental Wellbeing Walk, powered by Michael A. Pollack, is free to register and open to the public. The event takes place Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. at New Square, 180 S. Arizona Ave., in Downtown Chandler.

You can register on Eventbrite or ReadySetGoFoundation.org

Event subject to change without notice.