October 10th, 2026 | 10am-2pm
Nomahegan Park, Cranford, NJ
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Are you ready for the 28th Union County Red Ribbon Day?
Red Ribbon Day is a promise we make to one another.
Each year, our community comes together at our walk to honor lives lost, celebrate lives in recovery, and stand beside families navigating substance use, mental health challenges, and prevention. We walk for love, for remembrance, for hope, and for a future where no one has to face these challenges alone.
On Red Ribbon Day, thousands of small steps come together to create something powerful: visibility, connection, and real support for our community.
Why We Walk
Because prevention saves lives.
Because recovery is possible.
Because community changes everything.
Funds raised through Red Ribbon Day directly support Prevention Links’ prevention education, family support services, and recovery programs across our community, meeting people where they are and walking with them toward stability, healing, and connection.
Whether you’re walking in memory of someone you love, in honor of your own journey, or simply because you believe in showing up, you belong with us!
What to Expect
Red Ribbon Day is a family friendly event filled with activities like:
• A community walk bringing together individuals, families, and organizations
• Opportunities to honor loved ones and recognize recovery
• Carnival games, arts & crafts, pony rides, petting zoo, pumpkin painting, and more
• Food trucks
More details will be shared as the event approaches! Stay tuned.
Interested in Sponsoring Red Ribbon Day?
Join us as a sponsor in 2026 to make a significant impact in our community. Highlight your company’s commitment alongside hundreds of participants.
Contact Madeline Desrosiers (she/her) to join our sponsor list. mdesrosiers@preventionlinks.org
Fundraising
Stigma kills.
Raising awareness about drug prevention efforts and addiction recovery helps reduce stigma and could help save a life. Sharing facts about addiction prevention & recovery; prevention & recovery resources; and personal stories with the people you know makes a huge impact! Check out our social media pages for some content you could share on your own page.
Why Join Our Cause?
Everyone Knows Someone…Help Prevent the Next One.
“What’s My Anti-Drug?” Poster Contest
As part of our 28th Annual Red Ribbon Day Drug Prevention festivities, we invite all Union County 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade school students to participate and creatively present their anti-drug through art. Our local contest is part of the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign conducted by the Office of National Drug Control Policy in the United States. Union County Schools may register at the beginning of each school year and the winners are presented at our annual Red Ribbon Day event in October.
Students are asked to create a poster describing what they choose to do instead of drugs. This can include things such as sports, family, and hobbies. Posters will be judged strictly on originality and creativeness, not on artistic ability.
Three finalists from each grade level will be chosen to participate in an online voting contest that will help determine the winner(s) of each grade level. Poster Contest winners will then be announced at the in person 28th Annual Union County Red Ribbon Day in October of 2026 Finalists will receive their gift card prize at the walk during the formal ceremony.
Frequently Asked Questions
Great question! Funds raised individually or by your team go towards:
- Our Walker Fund which pays for walker registrations for individuals without means to pay;
- Supply and entertainment costs for the FREE Family Fun Festival which follows the race;
- Leftover funds go towards supporting our free community programs.
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