East Tennessee Kidney Foundation (ETKF) is bringing you a one of a kind race and festival to the downtown scene in Knoxville! This race will start and end in the heart of downtown Knoxville from the Worlds Fair Park where runners can hop right into the Knoxville Shamrock Festival after finishing their run/ walk. You wont want to miss this spring morning downtown with all the festivities of St. Patricks day! The Knox Shamrock Fest begins at 10am, so be sure to bring friends and family to run or walk, then PARTY WITH ALL THINGS GREEN AND IRISH!
RACE COURSE UPDATE –> Due to peaking construction projects in South Knoxville the course has been relocated to Worlds Fair Park.
Thats right, this race kicks off from Worlds Fair Park! The course will be an out and back along 2nd Creek Greenway, feature the Neyland Drive greenway before spinning around to repeat it all back again into the Worlds Fair Park Lawn where the festivities will await your finish!
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EVENTS
PROGRAMS
WHAT IS KIDNEY DISEASE?
BRINGING VITAL KIDNEY
CARE TO EAST TENNESSEE
Our Mission
East Tennessee Kidney Foundation, Inc.™ (ETKF) is a non-profit organization committed to enhancing the lives of East Tennesseans through early detection of kidney disease, education, and access to vital care. ETKF proudly operates independently and is 100% LOCAL. We are not affiliated with the National Kidney Foundation (NKF).
All funds raised by ETKF remain in our community, directly supporting local individuals battling kidney disease. As a registered 501(c)(3) organization, ETKF channels all resources towards fulfilling our mission, ensuring no profits are dispersed to shareholders. Our funding sources include donations, grants, and various fundraising initiatives.
RUN FOR A CAUSE
Lucky Kidney Run
Join us this March as we come together as a community to celebrate National Kidney Disease Month with our Lucky Kidney Run!
Runners can choose to participate in a 6K run or 1 mile walk depending on their preferences (timed and non-timed options available.
Awards will be given to the top finshers, top fundraising teams, and largest teams.
Get your team together today and join us for an afternoon raising awareness about this “silent” disease and what YOU can do to prevent it.
South Side Knoxville
March 14, 2026
8:00am
East Tennessee Kidney Foundation Nominated for a 2026 Community Impact of the Year – Best of Blount Award
We are honored to be nominated for the Community Impact Award – Organization of the Year in Blount County. This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to improving the lives of individuals living with kidney disease across East Tennessee. Through our programs and partnerships, the East Tennessee Kidney Foundation has provided essential support to over 120 dialysis patients in Blount County, offering transportation assistance, nutritional supplements, and vital dental assistance. This nomination is a testament to the power of compassion, collaboration, and community in helping our neighbors live healthier, more fulfilling lives in Blount County.
Dogwood Arts
House & Garden Show
Celebrating its 48th year as the largest annual fundraiser for Dogwood Arts, the 2026 House & Garden Show promises to be an unforgettable experience for homeowners, garden enthusiasts, and design lovers alike.
ADMISSION:
Adults: $10 per day
65+ years + Veterans: $8 per day
12 years & Younger: Free
701 Henley Street, Knoxville, TN 37902
February 6-8, 2026
SHOW HOURS:
Friday, February 6th :10:00am – 6:00pm
Saturday, February 7th: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Sunday, February 8th:10:00am – 4:00pm
Our Programs
The East Tennessee Kidney Foundation, Inc.™ provides direct, local support to kidney patients in East Tennessee through three life-improving programs. These include assistance with transportation to life-saving dialysis treatments, free high-protein nutritional supplements for dialysis patients across 25 East Tennessee counties, and low-cost dental care to help patients qualify for the kidney transplant waiting list.
SUPPLEMENT PROGRAM
PROGRAM
HEALTH COLLABORATION PROGRAM
EAST TENNESSEE KIDNEY FOUNDATION VEHICLE DONATION PROGRAM
Volunteer Your Ride
We are now accepting donations of cars, boats, RVs, and motorcycles. The funds your vehicle can raise for us are worth so much to the individuals and families that we serve. Your donations will also help us provide information and education on the prevention of kidney disease.
To help us speed up your vehicle donation, please answer the questions below. You can call 865-288-7351 for assistance or additional information.
Tennesseans Living With Kidney Failure
Tennesseans On Dialysis
Tennesseans Living With a Kidney Transplant
BRINGING VITAL KIDNEY CARE TO EAST TENNESSEE
Community Impact
Each year, ETKF serves over 1,500 local East Tennesseans affected by kidney disease. Our operations rely solely on grants, donations (monetary and in-kind), fundraisers, and the unwavering support of our community.
Your contributions enable us to continue our vital work in supporting kidney disease patients across East Tennessee. At ETKF, we deeply appreciate your support, which is crucial in our mission to enhance the quality of life for all those affected by kidney disease in our community.
Upcoming Events
March 14, 2026
March 14, 2026
November 19, 2025
September 17, 2026
Knox Shamrock Fest™ & the Lucky Kidney Run
Affiliations & Memberships
“Powering Our Mission Together”
How YOU Can Help: Become A Donor Today
A single decision to become a donor can change everything for someone living with kidney disease. Tennessee Donor Services’ “Types of Donation” page shows how living and deceased kidney donors give the ultimate gift — a chance at renewed health, more time with loved ones, and a brighter future. Every kidney given is more than a medical gift; it’s an act of hope, compassion, and life-saving generosity that leaves a lasting legacy.
