The day
Walk for Freedom is Set Free Monterey Bay's annual fundraiser, and the 2026 edition had the best setting on the Peninsula: Carmel Beach on an October Saturday from 2 to 5 PM, the walk running along the sand, and a reception set up at the bottom of 13th Avenue with 12 Carmel wineries pouring, light bites going around and a steel drum setting the pace. It looked like a summer party that happened to be in October: Hawaiian shirts and sun hats, pink paper parasols, dogs on the sand.
Midafternoon the beach gathered around the microphone with the people who made the day happen. Walk for Freedom was started by Jack Galante of Galante Vineyards and local restaurateur Richard Pepe, owner of Vesuvio, Carmel Bakery, Little Napoli and Vino Napoli, and it took the two of them two years to get it approved. Jack is a fitting host for an afternoon on Carmel Beach: his great-grandfather, J.F. Devendorf, founded Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Galante opened the town's first wine tasting room. Set Free Monterey Bay Executive Director Ashley Chesney spoke with a baby on her hip. Carmel-by-the-Sea Mayor Dale Byrne and former Mayor Dave Potter were in the crowd as glasses went up.
Set Free Monterey Bay works on three fronts: prevention, with a curriculum that has reached more than 9,000 middle and high school students; awareness, training first responders, medical and hospitality staff to recognize trafficking; and restoration, with survivor-led support, mentorship and housing. Its executive director, Ashley Chesney, is a survivor herself. If you could not walk, you can still support the work here.
I photograph fundraisers, galas and community events across the Monterey Peninsula, shooting on the Fujifilm GFX 100 II. If you are planning one, I would love to help.
Common questions
When and where was Walk for Freedom 2026?
Walk for Freedom 2026 took place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, on Carmel Beach at the foot of 13th Avenue and Scenic Road in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It was hosted by Set Free Monterey Bay.
What is Set Free Monterey Bay?
Set Free Monterey Bay is a Monterey County nonprofit that fights human trafficking through prevention education in schools, awareness training for first responders and hospitality staff, and restoration services for survivors. Walk for Freedom is its annual fundraiser; all net proceeds support that work.
Who started Walk for Freedom?
Walk for Freedom was started by Jack Galante, owner of Galante Vineyards, and local restaurateur Richard Pepe, owner of Vesuvio, Carmel Bakery, Little Napoli and Vino Napoli, who spent two years getting the event approved. It benefits Set Free Monterey Bay.
Who photographed Walk for Freedom 2026?
Manny Espinoza, a commercial and event photographer based in Carmel-by-the-Sea, photographed the day on the Fujifilm GFX 100 II. This gallery has 64 photos taken between 2:11 PM and 5:08 PM, shown in the order they were captured.
How can I get a full-resolution copy of my photo?
Open the photo in the viewer and tap Request this photo, or email manny@mannyespinoza.com with the photo number, and Manny will send a download copy.
Can I share these photos on social media?
Yes. Share them with credit ("Photo: Manny Espinoza") and a link back to this page, and tag @setfreemontereybay. For commercial, advertising or print use, email manny@mannyespinoza.com for a license.
Do you photograph fundraisers and walks like this one?
Yes. Manny Espinoza photographs fundraisers, galas, walks, corporate events and festivals on the Monterey Peninsula and beyond, with a retouched gallery delivered in 48 to 72 hours and same-night selects available for social media.
Planning a fundraiser, gala or community event on the Monterey Peninsula?
