MAAME, Inc.'s 3rd Annual Run, Walk, & Stroll

Run for moms, walk for doulas, stroll for birth justice.

📅 Saturday, April 4, 2026
📍 W.G. Pearson Center: 600 E Umstead St, Durham, NC 27701
⏰ 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Event Overview

MAAME, Inc.’s Annual Run, Walk, & Stroll is a community-centered fundraiser held during Community-Based Doula Week, a weeklong initiative that celebrates and raises public awareness of community-based doulas and the vital, culturally grounded support they provide to birthing families.

This event uplifts the essential work of community-based doulas, lactation educators, maternal mental health advocates, and family support providers who help improve birth outcomes and strengthen families across North Carolina.

In addition to the run, walk, and stroller-friendly course, the event will feature a Vendor & Community Health Fair designed to connect families with trusted local resources, services, and small businesses that support maternal, infant, and family wellness.

This is a family-friendly, outdoor event that brings together:

Community-based doulas and birth workers
Local health and wellness organizations
Community service providers
Small businesses and artisans
Families from across the region

Whether you walk, run, or stroll — every step supports doulas, families, and healthier beginnings.

About MAAME, Inc.

MAAME, Inc. is a community-rooted maternal health organization working to close gaps in care, strengthen families, and build a sustainable, culturally grounded maternal health workforce.

Today, MAAME provides direct services across 11 core communities in North Carolina, including:

Community-based doula care
Postpartum support
Lactation services
Maternal mental health programming
Fresh food and family resource initiatives

In addition to these primary service areas, MAAME also supports families in surrounding and historically excluded communities through partnerships, virtual services, and special initiatives.

Much of this work—including outreach, training, mental health groups, mutual aid, and care coordination—is not reimbursable through traditional funding sources. Community events like the Walk, Run, & Stroll help sustain these essential services.

Vendor & Community Health Fair

The Vendor & Community Health Fair will run alongside the event and provide opportunities for vendors to:

Share products or services with families
Provide health education and resources
Build relationships with community members
Increase visibility among a mission-driven audience

Our Fundraising Goal: $15,000

We aim to raise $15,000 to fund more doulas, provide lactation support sessions, and expand our maternal mental health program. Every dollar counts!

Become a Sponsor. Co-sponsorship is available. Please contact Naeemah Kelly at naeemah@maameinc.org

MAAME, Inc. Annual Walk & Run Sponsorship Levels

Sponsorship Opportunities

Level	Investment	Qty Available	Key Recognition	Primary Impact
Title Sponsor	$15,000	1 (Exclusive)	Exclusive top billing, premier logo placement on all event materials, speaking opportunity, premium vendor space, featured media recognition	Anchors statewide maternal health impact and sustains non-reimbursable services
Presenting Sponsor	$10,000	1–2	Naming rights recognition, premier logo on shirts & signage, website homepage placement, speaking opportunity, premium vendor space	Sustains non-reimbursable maternal health services statewide
Birth Justice Champion	$5,000	Up to 4	Prominent logo on shirts, vendor presence, digital recognition, verbal acknowledgment	Supports doula workforce & maternal mental health programs
Community Health Partner	$2,500	Up to 6	Logo on sponsor page, vendor table, event signage recognition	Funds outreach and direct family support
Village Supporter	$1,000	Up to 10	Name/logo listing on sponsor page and signage	Offsets event costs so more funding reaches families

Limited Add-On Opportunities

Add-On	Investment	Recognition
Official Event Shirt Sponsor	$3,500	Exclusive logo placement on participant shirts
Finish Line Sponsor	$2,000	Branding at finish line backdrop and photo area
Hydration Station Sponsor	$1,500	Recognition at water stations along the course

Testimonials: Why This Event Matters

💜 MAAME Maternal Health
"I enjoyed MAAME sending me Mrs. Andora to be my doula. She was very proactive and consistent in helping me understand the importance of womb health to have a safe delivery. My delivery experience was everything I wanted, plus more. Mrs. Andora provided a list of things to consume for a smooth delivery. She was very supportive when I was in labor, walking and doing stretches with me to aid in my pelvic muscles being loose enough for my baby to come through the birthing canal. The best thing she shared with me is that everything is connected to the womb—if your mental health is not at peace, your womb isn’t either. Thanks for everything." - J. Smith

💜 MAAME Eat Well Program
"EatWell has been such a great benefit to my family and me! It has allowed us to incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into our meals. Along with some exercise, I am losing postpartum weight and feeling much better! I’m so thankful for the monthly allowance and the health it is bringing!" – K. Wells

💜 MAAME Maternal Mental Health
"I am in a better place than when I started the program. The program has given me a lot of context, coping mechanisms, and a mental health toolkit for handling stress and anxiety. I feel like I have grown; it's been nice having a sense of community with other moms who understand what it’s like to be a BIPOC mom culturally. I feel more confident in my day-to-day life and am ready to face situations that once seemed too big or scary." – K. Green

How You Can Help

By participating in the 3rd Annual Run, Walk & Stroll, you are:

✅ Raising awareness about the urgent need for better maternal and infant healthcare.
✅ Funding critical programs that provide direct support to families in need.
✅ Investing in sustainable change so every mother and baby can access high-quality care.

Ways to Get Involved

🏃‍♀️ Register to Walk, Run, or Stroll – Show your support and be part of the movement!
💰 Donate or Start a Fundraising Team – Every dollar raised supports our mission.
📢 Spread the Word – Share why Black maternal and infant health matters.

Social Media & Engagement

📢 Join the conversation online!
💡 Share your walk, run, or stroll on social media using #MAAMERunWalkStroll to help raise awareness!
📲 Tag friends & family to encourage them to join the movement!

Call for Volunteers

Want to support behind the scenes? We need volunteers to help with setup, registration, and guiding participants on event day.

🔗 Email Naeemah Kelly at naeemah@maameinc.org if you'd like to be a volunteer

Let’s Take Action—Together!

Together, we are building a future where every birthing person and every family can experience pregnancy and birth safely, with dignity and support.

MAAME, Inc, 3rd Annual Run, Walk, & Stroll Sponsorship

By MAAME, Inc.

MAAME, Inc, 3rd Annual Run, Walk, & Stroll Sponsorship

Run for Moms. Walk for Doulas. Stroll for Birth Justice.