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.
Our Community Impact
Now in its 11th year, The Joel Burchfield Spirit Walk has raised over $100,000 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.
MAKE A DONATION
Make All Checks Payable to "The Joel Burchfield Memorial Fund"
Mailing Address: 12345 Sunnyglen Dr, Moorpark, CA 93021
THANK YOU TO OUR 2025 VIP SPONSOR: THE HASS FAMILY
The Hass Family donated $5,000!
THANK YOU TO OUR 2025 Angel and Spirit and SPONSORS!
JRP Design & Remodel donated $1,000!
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
7/14/2025
Lemmo's Pizzeria Fundraiser
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 Burch...
4pm
-
9pm
4223 Tierra Rejada Rd, Moorpark
7/26/2025
Kickoff Event at Moorpark Presbyterian Church
8am
-
12pm
Moorpark Presbyterian Church and Joel's Bridge
7/26/2025
Kickoff Event at Moorpark Presbyterian Church
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 ...
8am
-
12pm
Moorpark Presbyterian Church and Joel's Bridge
7/27/25 to 8/2/25
The 11th Annual Joel Burchfield Spirit Walk
All day
Pacific Coast Highway
7/27/25 to 8/2/25
The 11th Annual Joel Burchfield Spirit Walk
Day 1 - Sunday July 27th - Summerland to Mussel Shoals in Ventura (12 miles)
Day 2 - Monday July 28th - Mussel Shoals to Ventura Harbor (15 m...
All day
Pacific Coast Highway