The Joel Burchfield Spirit Walk

Annual fundraiser for The Joel Burchfield Memorial Fund

What is The Joel Burchfield Spirit Walk?

Annual Fundraiser for The Joel Burchfield Memorial Fund

The Joel Burchfield Memorial Fund is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting local high school seniors and youth in sports. The organization was created by Dan and Laura Burchfield after their 11 year-old son, Joel, tragically passed away in a drowning accident in 1996 in Moorpark, CA.

How Did the Spirit Walk Start?

The Joel Burchfield Spirit Walk began in 2015 and was born from a need to support the scholarship fund. Dan decided that year to walk 105 miles along the Pacific Coast Highway as a tribute to Joel and as a way to fundraise donations. He wrote a book about this endeavor, My Journey With Joel, and all proceeds go towards supporting the scholarship fund.

Book Info

Our Community Impact

Now in its 12th year, The Joel Burchfield Spirit Walk has raised over $140,000 through donations from individual community members and local businesses alike. This has funded scholarships for Moorpark High School Seniors, as well as a newer branch of giving called "Joel's Angels" that supports youth in sports.

Donate Today

DONATE TODAY!

Donate through Square

Make All Checks Payable to “The Joel Burchfield Memorial Fund”

Mailing Address: 12345 Sunnyglen Dr, Moorpark, CA 93021

Are you a business looking to make a difference in your local community?

Become a Sponsor

Thank you to our 2025 VIP Sponsor: The Hass Family

Thank you to our 2025 Angel and Spirit Sponsors!

Dr. Kodama and Associates donated $1,000!

Moorpark Karate & Krav Maga donated $1,000!

Lemmo's Pizzeria is hosting a fundraiser and donating 20% of proceeds!

2025 Kindness Sponsors:

The Cowan Family

Blue Sky Balloonz

ToGo Online

2025 Fundraiser Results

Together in 2025 we raised nearly $15,000 for The Joel Burchfield Memorial Fund! Thank you for your support!

Photos from Past Spirit Walks

Have pics to share from our latest event? DM to @myjourneywithjoel on Instagram!

Past Events

7/14/2025

Lemmo's Pizzeria Fundraiser

4pm - 9pm · 4223 Tierra Rejada Rd, Moorpark

Stop by Lemmo's Pizzeria and place a dine-in or take-out order on Monday July 14th and 20% of all proceeds will be donated to The Joel Burchfield Memorial Fund! Be sure to say hi to Dan while you're there!

7/26/2025

Kickoff Event at Moorpark Presbyterian Church

8am - 12pm · Moorpark Presbyterian Church and Joel's Bridge

This is a free event to attend! Come join the community for breakfast, hear Dan speak, and participate in a walk to Joel's Bridge. Dan will give a short speech at the bridge followed by a group photo and walking back! (You can drive to/from Joel's Bridge instead of walking if preferred). We will need you to register so we have a headcount for breakfast.

7/27/25 to 8/2/25

The 11th Annual Joel Burchfield Spirit Walk

All day · Pacific Coast Highway

Day 1 - Sunday July 27th - Summerland to Mussel Shoals in Ventura (12 miles)\nDay 2 - Monday July 28th - Mussel Shoals to Ventura Harbor (15 miles)\nDay 3 - Tuesday July 29th - Ventura Harbor to Cal State Channel Islands in Camarillo (20 miles)\nDay 4 - Wednesday July 30th - Sycamore Canyon in Newbury Park to Neptune's Net in Malibu (14 miles)\nDay 5 - Thursday July 31st - Santa Monica to Redondo Beach (17 miles)\nDay 6 - Friday August 1st - Redondo Beach to Torrance (12 miles)\nDay 7 - Saturday August 2nd - Torrance to San Pedro (11 miles)\nTotal Distance: Approximately 101 Miles!\nIf you would like to walk during any portion of the route on any day, please contact Dan directly at 805-815-6229. Each day's route begins at 8am.