Last year’s Matthews Walk A Thon raised $14,679.89 for Chenango Child Advocacy Center. This year’s walk begins at East Main Park in Norwich at 9 a.m. and goes until 3 p.m. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH — The Matthews Auto Group, with 16 locations throughout Upstate NY and Northeast Pennsylvania is proud to announce the 8th Annual Matthews Walk-A-Thon to benefit fourteen children’s charities across the communities Matthews serves. The Walk-A-Thon will take place rain or shine Saturday, October 3.

Walkers in Chenango County can participate at East Main Street Park in Norwich from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Walkers at the Vestal Rail Trail will begin at 7:30 a.m. and go to 6:30 p.m., beginning at the Coal House on Stage Road in Vestal. Participants from all Matthews communities, including Binghamton, Norwich, Rochester, Syracuse, Schenectady and Scranton, can also register and walk virtually from their own hometowns. The event is open to the public, and families, friends and community members are encouraged to participate. Walkers can complete as many—or as few—miles as they choose, either in person or virtually.

The 14 charitable beneficiaries include: In the Southern Tier - Mom’s House, A Room to Heal, Handicapped Children’s Association (HCA), Guthrie Hospice Camp Hope for Kids, The Children’s Home of Wyoming Conference, GiGi’s Playhouse and Chenango County Child Advocacy Center; in Syracuse- Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, ED23 and Joseph’s House; in Rochester – Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester and Make A Wish of Greater Rochester; in Schenectady- Things of My Very Own; and in Scranton, PA- Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA.

Matthews Auto will donate $10 for every mile walked by registered participants on October 3, up to $75,000. In addition, Matthews will match cash donations up to $12,500, with corporate and individual sponsorships and additional donations bringing the total potential contribution to $150,000. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the participating charities.

During registration, walkers can select one charity to receive their donation or choose to divide their donation equally among all 14 organizations. Participants will be asked to register their estimated mileage and will participate on the honor system. More than 2,000 walkers participated last year, and Matthews expects an even greater turnout this year.

Walkers are encouraged to register in advance and provide an estimated number of miles they plan to walk at Matthewswalkathon.com. Broome County walkers may also register at the Vestal Rail Trail on the day of the event, while Chenango County participants can register at East Main Street Park on October 3. Complimentary Matthews Auto Walk-A-Thon T-shirts will be available to registered participants at the Vestal Rail Trail on the day of the event, while supplies last.

Following the Walk-A-Thon, Matthews Auto will distribute funds to the participating charities based on the miles walked and donations pledged during registration.

Since its inception, the Matthews Auto Walk-A-Thon has raised more than $600,000 for local children’s charities. Matthews is excited to continue that tradition and work toward another record-breaking year with a potential $150,000 donation. In 2025, Matthews was honored with a national Philanthropy Award from Automotive News in recognition of the significant impact of the Matthews Walkathon and its ongoing commitment to supporting children’s charities and strengthening the communities we serve.

“We’re excited about bringing back the Walk-A-Thon for an eighth year to the communities we serve,” said Matthews Auto CEO Rob Matthews. “This annual event is fun and makes a significant contribution to kids and families in our area. We hope the public will join us for a great cause, and we look forward to another great year.”

— Information from Matthews Auto