Ready Set Go Foundation Hosts 4th Annual Mental Health Awareness Walk in Downtown Chandler on Oct. 25

The Ready Set Go Foundation proudly announces its 4th Annual Mental Health Awareness Walk on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM at New Square in Downtown Chandler.

This inspiring community event invites residents, families, and friends to a morning of movement, mindfulness, and community connection—all in support of mental wellness and resilience.

The Ready Set Go Foundation has led this initiative for the past four years to promote open conversations around mental health, reduce stigma, and celebrate wellness through education, empowerment, and togetherness.

Event Schedule
• 🎨 8:00 AM — Poster Session
• 🧘 8:15 AM — Meditation Techniques
• 💪 8:20 AM — All-Level Yoga Session
• 🎤 8:30–8:45 AM — Guest Speakers & Elected Leaders
• 🤸 8:45 AM — Stretch & Safety Tips
• 🚶 8:55 AM — Walk Begins
• 🎶 9:10–9:45 AM — Refreshments, Music & Community Resources

The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring friends, wear comfortable shoes, and enjoy a meaningful morning celebrating wellness and community spirit. Space is limited, so please register early.

👉 RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mental-health-wellness-walk-tickets-1809708409569?aff=oddtdtcreator

Recognizing Our Mental Health Champions

This year, the Ready Set Go Foundation is honored to recognize two outstanding community advocates—Katey McPherson and Doretta Thomas—for their unwavering commitment to mental health awareness, advocacy, and education.

Katey McPherson, a long-time youth advocate and educator, has been a leading voice for student mental health and wellness across Arizona. Her tireless work with schools, families, and organizations has brought crucial attention to the importance of prevention, communication, and early intervention.

Doretta Thomas continues to transform personal tragedy into purpose. Her beloved son, Micaiah E. Thomas, the extraordinary son of the late Bishop Alexis Thomas and Doretta Thomas, faced the painful realities of mental illness. By the tender age of 24, Micaiah had courageously battled these challenges. Tragically, in the early hours of July 15, 2021, the “automatic negative thoughts” (A.N.T.s) in his head overpowered his beautiful mind, and he took his own life.

In his memory, the Micaiah E. Thomas Memorial Fund was established through the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF) to advance mental health advocacy, suicide awareness, and support for young individuals affected by mental illness. The Fund’s mission is to break the stigma and silence surrounding mental health, offering hope, healing, and community to those in need.

“Champions like Katey and Doretta remind us that change begins with compassion and courage,” said O.D. Harris, Founder of the Ready Set Go Foundation. “Through their advocacy—and through the legacy of Micaiah’s life—we continue to uplift those who struggle in silence and create pathways toward healing.”

Community Partners & Sponsors

The Ready Set Go Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude to the generous sponsors, partners, and community leaders who make this event possible, including:

Michael Pollack • Waste Management • NFL Retired Players Phoenix Chapter • Intel Corporation • Chandler Chamber of Commerce • Semicolon Society • LaloBoy Foundation • Asian Chamber of Commerce, to name a few.

Their commitment to promoting mental health awareness, community unity, and wellness continues to impact Arizona.

Event subject to change without notice.