Portola Junior-Senior High School invites the Plumas and Sierra county communities to come together for the Steps for Stability mental health awareness walk on Sunday, Nov. 16. This community event is dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and raising funds for the Juan Hinajosa Memorial Scholarship for Portola High School seniors.
The event begins at 10 a.m. at the entrance to the City of Portola Riverwalk with a 1.2-mile loop, encouraging participants to take a reflective walk along Portola’s scenic riverside. Along the path, community members can visit mental health resource booths, collecting passport stamps and learning about local programs dedicated to wellness and support.
After the walk, participants will gather at the Portola Veterans Hall from 11 a.m. to noon for lunch, giveaway prizes and guest speakers. Speakers include Camila Schweyer, president of Rotary Interact at Portola High, and Brando Cesena, Portola High alumnus and founder of the Juan Hinajosa Memorial Scholarship.
The event is supported by the Rotary Club of Portola, PHS Interact Club, Peer Improvement Movement, Gumba’s Pizza, Eastern Plumas Health Care Senior Life Solutions and the PHS Boosters Club. Together, these organizations hope to strengthen community dialog around mental health while supporting local students in memory of Juan Hinajosa, a Portola High graduate remembered for his compassion and love for the community, say organizers.
Tickets are available for $20 for adults and $10 for students and kids. Giveaway tickets are available for $5 each. Each event ticket includes coffee and a pastry at the start of the walk, lunch at the Veterans Hall, a giveaway ticket, a passport book, hand warmers, a swag bag, a sticker and a water bottle. All proceeds will go directly to the Juan Hinajosa Memorial Scholarship Fund, with a fundraising goal of $250 to $1,000. Those interest can complete this form to register.