EVANSTON, IL — Evanston residents will have a chance to support substance use prevention and affordable treatment at Step Up for Recovery 2026, PEER Services' annual fundraising walk and community celebration.
The event is scheduled for Oct. 4, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Evanston Lakefront. Organizers said the afternoon will include a half-mile walk, music, refreshments, face painting, balloon animals, a raffle and a Community Wellness Fair.
PEER Services said the event is designed to bring people together to support prevention and treatment, celebrate recovery and help break the stigma surrounding addiction. For more than 50 years, the organization has provided community-based substance use prevention and affordable treatment for youth and adults in Chicago and the North and Northwest suburbs.
According to the organization, money raised through Step Up helps sustain prevention programs in schools and communities, along with early intervention and outpatient treatment services for adolescents, adults and families.
"Step Up is a wonderful event that brings the community together in support of people affected by substance use and addiction," said Jimmy, a longtime Step Up participant and PEER Services client. "Some people walk to support a friend or loved one, while others walk to support their neighbors. Everyone comes together to make a difference."
PEER Services said it provides evidence-based services regardless of income or insurance status. The organization said many people who seek care are uninsured or use Medicaid, which does not cover the full cost of care.
"Cost should never be a barrier to treatment," said Noy Frial-Lopez, chief executive officer of PEER Services. "Many people who turn to PEER are uninsured or rely on Medicaid, which does not cover the full cost of their care. Donations help close that gap. When local donors support Step Up, they are helping sustain affordable care right here in our community while also making it possible for PEER to reach young people and families through prevention."
PEER Services also recognized sponsors supporting the event. Its Icon Sponsors are Friends of PEER Services, In Honor of Wayne; Hagerty Consulting; Judy Ashworth & Achim Steup; and Monica Weed & Frank Smith. Hall of Famer Sponsors are Blue Cross Blue Shield of IL, ContinuServe, Golub and Company/Orrington Plaza, Mike Baskin Consulting, The ONE Group and Trilogy.
Community members can attend the walk or donate to the fundraiser. Ticket options are $50, $25 or free, and children 12 and under can attend for free. More information, registration and donations are available at secure.qgiv.com/event/stepupforrecovery2026/.
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