Cambridge Rotary - Chalk on the Walk

Chalk on the Walk is the annual spring fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Cambridge. Proceeds go to help the Club support many Cambridge charities throughout the year.

What is Chalk on the Walk?

Chalk on the Walk is the Cambridge version of an Italian Street Painting Festival. The artist is free to create, with chalk pastels (supplied by the Club), their own vision. Paintings are created in full view of the public who are encouraged to "kabitz". The fact that the paintings disappear at the end of the day makes their beauty even more appealing. Anyone, from young child to senior citizen, can become an artist for the day. You do not need to be a professional. It is held as part of the City's Annual Harvard Square MayFair that regularly draws 100,000 people. MayFair will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2009.

How is the money raised?

Local businesses and generous individuals buy "blocks". Each block is assigned to an artist. The sponsor's and the artist's name appear on signs over each block.

How will Cambridge Rotary spend the money it raises at Chalk on the Walk?

The money we raise from Chalk on the Walk is the primary source of funding for our charitable works. The Club grants scholarships to graduating high school students and makes donations to Cambridge charities that deal with problems ranging from mental health to teen drug abuse. Ever mindful of Rotary's place in the world, the Club is always ready to lend support to emergency relief efforts when they arise.

I want to participate as a Sponsor or an Artist. How do I find out more?

Sponsors should go to the Sponsor Information Page.
Artists should visit the Artist Information Page.

How was Chalk On the Walk Last Year?

It was a great success! We had many talented artists and spectators. Please take a look at our 2008 Chalk on the Walk Photo Page.

2009 Sponsors

Cambridge Rotary greatfully acknowledges the support of the following sponsors who helped make our 2009 Chalk on the Walk a great success:

J & C Adams "The Door & Window Specialists"
Ambit Press - Minuteman Press
Johnny Appleseed
Arborway Tree Care, Inc.
Boston Duck Tours
Cambridge Chamber of Commerce
Cambridge Community Foundation
Cambridge Innovation Center
Cambridge Landscape Co.
Cambridge Savings Bank
Cambridge Trust Company
City of Cambridge
Desfina Restaurant
Dickson Bros. True Value Hardware
Dunkin Donuts, Revere, MA
East Cambridge Savings Bank
Fresh Pond Mall
Harvard University
Law Offices of Joyce Kauffman
Koundakjian & Company, CPA
In Memory of John Harris
Bob & Linda Jones
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
In Honor of Sarah Hope Moulton
Mt. Auburn Hospital
O'Brien Management, Inc.
The O'Neill Family
Paine Senior Services
Erica Reitmayer Promotional Products
Retirement Alliance, Inc.
Rogers Funeral Home
Sheraton Commander Hotel
Bob Slate, Stationer
Wilson-Cambridge Realty Trust
Windsor House Adult Day Health Services
In Memory of Mary Louise Wright

Want to find out more?

Look at our Frequently Ask Questions (FAQ). Take a look at the Chalk on the Walk Photo Page. If you still have a question e-mail chalkonthewalk@gmail.com and we will get back to you.

You can also take a look at the MayFair page at Harvard Square Business Association Web site at www.harvardsquare.com.