David Kirkpatrick to walk 100,000 steps for storytellers on his 75th birthday

Former movie studio executive David Kirkpatrick will walk 100,000 steps on June 29 in Lancaster, Massachusetts, to raise money for emerging writers and storytellers. Donations will support scholarships and programs tied to StorySummit.us and partner festivals and retreats.

Why it matters: - The fundraiser is aimed at keeping writing and storytelling opportunities available for emerging creators. - Donations will help pay for scholarships tied to festivals, retreats and training programs that can open doors for new writers.

What happened: - David Kirkpatrick, founder of StorySummit.us and the Write a Great Story Foundation, will walk 100,000 steps on Monday, June 29, 2026. - The walk is tied to Kirkpatrick’s 75th birthday. - The event will take place in Lancaster, Massachusetts. - Kirkpatrick’s corgi, Arthur, will join him for the walk.

The details: - The campaign says writers and storytellers are essential to books, stage plays, movies and television shows. - Write a Great Story Foundation secretary Stacey Powells said, “The written word is sacred, and now more than ever we must keep telling our stories.” - Powells said support for Kirkpatrick’s effort can help keep writing craft alive and help future writers share their voices. - Donations will fund scholarships for writers who want to attend the Austin Film Festival, the Young Filmmakers Program, the Okoboji Writers Retreat and programs offered through StorySummit.us. - Donations are filtered through Write A Great Story Foundation. - The donation page is Steps for Stories. - Stacey Powells is the contact for information or interviews with Kirkpatrick at 661-433-9800 or hello@Writeagreatstory.org. - The foundation also shared a Facebook page at Write A Great Story Foundation.

Between the lines: - The campaign blends a symbolic personal milestone with a fundraising pitch, which can help make the effort more shareable and emotionally resonant. - Linking donations to specific scholarships and programs gives contributors a clearer picture of where the money goes. - The emphasis on emerging writers suggests the foundation is targeting early-career access rather than broad arts support.

What's next: - Kirkpatrick’s walk and birthday fundraiser are scheduled for June 29. - Organizers are directing supporters to donate online and to contact Stacey Powells for media requests. - The foundation is expected to use the proceeds for writer scholarships and related programming.