A morning walk through the scenic trails of Lake Katherine Nature Center became a heartfelt celebration of creativity, health, and community as supporters gathered for the 2025 Walk for the Arts on Saturday, May 31.
Hosted by The Marc Dunworth Foundation for the Performing Arts, the annual event brought together nearly 100 participants to raise funds and awareness for the performing arts, with a particular focus on puppetry—an art form passionately championed by the foundation’s namesake.
The foundation, established in 2018 in memory of Marc Dunworth, a gifted puppeteer, honors his lifelong dedication to storytelling through puppetry. Dunworth began his journey in puppetry as a young boy and went on to write and perform his own shows, becoming a respected figure in the puppetry community.
“This walk is a reflection of what Marc believed in—bringing people together through creativity and compassion,” said Rosemarie Dunworth, Executive Director of MDFPA and Marc’s mother. “Artists need to remain focused on their health as well as their creativity. A walk can be inspirational.”
Now in its fourth year at Lake Katherine, the event has become a cherished tradition. “We love working with the folks here,” Dunworth added. “It’s a beautiful space that truly enhances the spirit of the event.”
Held bright and early at 8 a.m., the two-hour walk welcomed participants of all ages and experience levels, offering various registration packages—from a simple $15 walk option to a “Gold Level” bundle featuring a sun visor, metal water bottle, tote bag, and participation medal.
Proceeds from the event support the foundation’s mission to assist performing artists through scholarships, grants, performances, and education.
A portion of this year’s funds is also going toward a deeply meaningful project: creating and distributing activity books for families facing medical issues. These books, which feature original puppet characters created by Marc Dunworth, are donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana—most notably the Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn and Lurie Children’s Hospital locations.
“For me, this walk means connection,” said Dunworth. “We love when folks participate in our events. It helps us to know that our actions mean something. It’s a great gathering of like-minded individuals from all walks of life coming together to celebrate the importance of health, nature, art, and community.”
Although fundraising is important, Dunworth emphasized that participation on any level is what truly drives the foundation’s mission forward. “Community involvement helps raise awareness. The financial end is important, but involvement on any level is more important.”
Those who were unable to attend the event but would still like to support the foundation’s efforts can make a donation online at https://mdfpa.betterworld.org/events/walk-arts.
