THERE ARE NO EVENT DATES FOR THIS EVENT. THE EVENT HAS EITHER ALREADY OCCURED, OR WE DO NOT HAVE ANY UPCOMING DATES FOR THE EVENT.

Nobody enjoys the beach more than Josh Thompson. He was an avid surfer. He loved taking his family to the beach. He grew up on the beach and thought he’d be riding his board for years to come. But in late 2006, Josh was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Josh had to turn his attention from riding waves to fighting ALS, a battle few so young have to face.

The fight has been one of frustration. Frustration with barriers to drug access, with as yet unsuccessful experimental treatments and with the lack of a cure. But rather than let their frustration turn to bitterness, Josh and his family have converted their frustration to a massive mobilization for the search for treatments and eventually a cure.

In 2007, a group of young men that had been raised together in Virginia Beach decided they wanted to find a way to give something back to the community and formed the Virginia Gentlemen Foundation. When Chris Thompson, a founding member, received news that his brother, Josh, was diagnosed with ALS, The Virginia Gentlemen decided to make the fight against ALS their goal as well. Working with the local ALSA chapter their first initiative, named “The Keys to Life Program” helped patients with transportation to and from medical appointments, but it didn’t stop there.

In 2008, the Virginia Gentlemen partnered with ALSA in the local Walk. This annual walk, previously held at The Botanical Gardens, was moved to the oceanfront boardwalk to accommodate the expected attendance. What started out as one team in the Hampton Roads ALS walk became the National ALS Association’s largest single day walk and fundraiser. To date the JT Walk has raised millions for ALS research and patient services, as well as community projects such as JT’s Grommet Island Beach Park & Playground for EveryBODY, the “Grombulance” kid-friendly medical transport for Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, and early development of JT’s Camp Grom.

Over the last 9 years more than 30,000 people have gathered at the Virginia Beach oceanfront to participate in what is now known as the JT Walk & Beach Party. This year promises an even bigger turnout.

Join us for a good cause and a good time!

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Where and when do we meet?
Meet on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk in front of Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront (31st & Atlantic) starting at 9:00am. The JT Walk lineup begins at 10:00am and the walk begins at 10:15am.

Where do I park?
Parking is free at the garage at 34th St. and Pacific Ave. However, parking is extremely limited and you are encouraged to carpool, walk, or ride your bike to the event.

What happens at registration?
At registration, you sign in and pick up your T-shirt and Country Music Beach Party wristbands. If you did not make your donation on-line, please be prepared to turn in any cash and/or check donations at this time. Only those who have signed up and made a contribution of at least $50 will receive Country Music Beach Party wristbands.

Who are checks made payable to? Can I pay on the day of the event with a credit card?
Due to the number of attendees anticipated, we HIGHLY encourage pre-event registration online with credit/debit card donation. However, checks are accepted, made payable to THE JT WALK. For your convenience, a limited amount of credit card machines will be available onsite at New Walker registration. All contributions are considered non-refundable charitable donations.

What is the Country Music Beach Party?
JT Walk & Beach Party is a celebration with food, fun and friends, all for charity! Live entertainment all day, featuring Country Music Superstar Cole Swindell with Special Guest Jana Kramer. Treasure Hunt, bounce houses, cotton candy and more for the kids too! Only those who register with a contribution of at least $50 will receive T-shirt, lunch, and general admission to the concert zone. Minimum donation of $35 for children registering for the King Neptune’s Treasure Hunt.

When and where is the beach party?
The Country Music Beach Party opens at 11:00 am back on the beach at 31st Street. Live music, food and drinks, bounce houses and kids’ activities. Concert zone gates open at 12:00 pm at 31st St. Remember you must have a wristband to enter the Beach Party and Concert Zone areas.