Fundraising Events

The Epilepsy Foundation’s fundraising events are a great way to support people with epilepsy, build community, and have fun! Our annual events include a gala in the spring and five fundraising walks throughout our service region in the fall.

One in 10 people will have a seizure in their lifetime, and one in 26 will develop epilepsy. Every day, communities come together to raise funds to support programs for people with seizures. 

A large family smiles with a giant check made out to the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota.
A group of people walk over a wooden bridge during the fundraising walk. A small girl runs ahead, smiling and holding a water bottle.

Gala Night In for Epilepsy

Together we empower the fight.

Attend together – while apart – to empower the fight of those who are overcoming challenges and gaining independence in their daily battle with epilepsy. The most meaningful dinner you will attend this year.

In a large crowd of people, women hold up bidder numbers for an auction.
Two people wearing fancy clothes give a speech at a podium during the Epilepsy Foundation gala.

In our continued commitment to being thoughtful and responsible for the well-being of our community, we are moving the Gala to Saturday, September 12. Instead of bringing hundreds of people together in one spot, we are creating an in-home experience where people can invite their guests for dinner, wine, and a special digital program. There will still be a silent auction and people can order supplies for parties of 4 or 10 people.

Donate Here

2020 EFMN Neighborhood Walk

Thank you for making the 2020 EFMN Neighborhood Walk such a success by walking to raise epilepsy awareness. To date, participants raised more than $137,000 — this includes $100,000 from 101 teams, plus an additional $37,000 from our sponsors. Walk donations can be made on your team page or by mail through December 31. Your support makes programs like Education Services, Camp Oz, and Connect Groups possible.

The walk is the largest fundraising and awareness event in Minnesota and North Dakota to benefit people with epilepsy. The walk began in 1999 in Rochester, MN, and has since expanded to four additional cities; Minneapolis/St. Paul, Duluth, St. Cloud, and Fargo/Moorhead. 

A group of people ducks under an archway made of balloons at the Rise Above Seizures Walk.
A large group of people cheers, smiles, and waves their arms in the air.
More Information

DIY Fundraisers

We are grateful for the support of our wonderful and engaged community, many of whom plan and host creative fundraising events throughout the year. We are pleased to offer our support of these events by providing materials and promoting them on our web calendar and social media whenever we can.

A group of people and a baby smile with their arms around each other.
Two girls wearing Epilepsy Foundation t-shirts smile in front of an archway made of balloons.

Ready to get started with your DIY fundraiser? View our DIY fundraising guidelines, and then fill out the information below and a staff member will be in touch.


Thriving with Epilepsy

Meet Ruth Schmitz

Ruth Schmitz is a team captain for the annual Rise Above Seizures Walk. She has witnessed the expansion of EFMN programs and is making an impact on those programs by leading a Walk team in St. Cloud!

Ruth's Story
A woman with curly brown hair and sunglasses leans against a fence.

Help out at an event

Many of our fundraising events and other programs rely on the help and support of volunteers. Plus, volunteering is a great way to get involved in the epilepsy community!

Learn More