Walk & Get Inked for Mental Health: Community, Creativity & Connection
To learn more about HIKE for Mental Health: https://ihike.org/
On May 3rd, our community came together for something truly meaningful—Walk & Get Inked for Mental Health, a two-part event focused on connection, creativity, nature, and raising awareness for mental health.
What began as an idea rooted in community and compassion turned into a day filled with movement, reflection, laughter, creativity, and support.
Starting the Morning on the Trail
The day began at the Middlesex Greenway in Metuchen, NJ, where 26 walkers gathered together despite the chilly morning temperatures. As the morning unfolded, the sun slowly warmed the trail, creating the perfect atmosphere for conversation, reflection, and connection.
Participants had the option to walk 2, 5, or 7 miles, making the event accessible to different comfort and fitness levels. Some walked side by side in conversation, while others took in moments of quiet solitude, noticing the changing scenery and animals along the trail.
The experience reminded us how healing nature and movement can be—not only physically, but emotionally and mentally as well.
This portion of the event was more than a hike. It was an opportunity for people to slow down, connect with themselves, connect with others, and feel supported.
The Second Half at Iron & Pine Tattoo Co.
After the walk, the event continued at Iron & Pine Tattoo Co., where the energy shifted into creativity, expression, and community gathering.
Throughout the afternoon:
22 individuals received tattoos
11 people participated in henna art
Around 10 individuals received tarot readings
8 raffle baskets were awarded to winners
The shop was filled with conversation, laughter, excitement, and moments of connection between people who may have never met before that day.
One of the sweetest additions to the afternoon was free cheesecake being shared with attendees while supplies lasted, creating another thoughtful touch of hospitality and community care.
Top Left: @bloody_good_cheesecake_llc; Middle Left: @om_pranali; Bottom Right: @theshyempress
A Community Effort
This event would not have been possible without the generosity of volunteers, artists, small businesses, donors, and community members who contributed their time, energy, creativity, services, and donations.
A heartfelt thank you to every individual and business who supported this event and helped make it successful.
Our amazing volunteers!!!
Donors & Contributors
Raffle baskets
@stitchandsewbyterry
@ll_crafts247
@lilycounselingandarttherapy
@abstractandalighed
@kristina.ellison.lcsw
@marissajoyhd
@alice.rich
@beachybirder
@stellaslight_33
@soulmergence
@shebelieves.me
@goodvibesmobile
@thatdarkchick_nj
@spectre_books
@geminisistersfarm
@mooiez_et_pure
@theshyempress
@sherunswildgroup
@mallorys_army
@healthyinthegardenstate
@party_galore_n_so_much_more
@naturallywhimsyphotography
@mattlapp_tattoos
@jonlorisalon
@arianabeautymaker
@bloody_good_cheesecake_llc
@ironpinetattooco
@om_pranali
@bathsoaks_soap_candles_oils
@diana_lapp_lcsw
Tattoo Artists
Top Left: @vvxtattoos; Bottom Left: @caroljackytattoos; Bottom Right: @cashewwws
Fundraising Impact
One of the most incredible parts of this event was seeing the community come together to support a cause bigger than ourselves.
Together, we raised:
$3,477 during the event
$4,407 total including online donations
All proceeds benefit HIKE for Mental Health, supporting mental health research and trail conservation.
More Than an Event
Walk & Get Inked for Mental Health was about more than hiking or tattoos.
It was about:
Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health
Creating space for authentic conversations
Supporting one another through connection and community
Highlighting the healing power of nature and creativity
Bringing different parts of the community together
The day after the event, the overwhelming feeling was gratitude.
Not exhaustion in a negative way—but the kind that comes from fulfillment. From seeing people smile, connect, support one another, and embrace a meaningful experience together.
This event was a reminder that healing and support can look many different ways. Sometimes it’s found on a trail. Sometimes it’s found in art. Sometimes it’s found in conversation, laughter, or simply showing up for one another.
To everyone who walked, donated, volunteered, shared the event, participated, or supported from afar—thank you.
You helped create something truly meaningful, and I am endlessly grateful. 💚
Check out the recap reels on IG:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DX9oGizBu33/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DX-RQrKBi5M/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYCWDittVJv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==