Out of the Darkness Community Walk Oct. 27 in Elkhorn
The Out of the Darkness Community Walk is a journey of remembrance and a walk that unites a community – a time to acknowledge the ways in which suicide and mental illness have affected our lives and our loved ones.
The local walk will be at 9 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 27 beginning at the Walworth County Fairgrounds Activity Center.
When people participate in the Out of the Darkness Walks, they join the effort with hundreds of thousands of people to raise awareness and funds that allow the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to invest in new research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss nationwide and in Walworth County.
“Suicide touches one in five American families. We hope that by walking we will draw attention to this issue and keep other families from experiencing a suicide loss. Our ultimate goal is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide,” said Deb Jagodzinski, Walworth County Out of the Darkness Co-Chair.
Last year, these walks raised more than $21 million for suicide prevention. Last year, the local walk raised over $26,000 and had 315 participants.
Co-chair Rebecca Jade McAuliffe said she and other participants will not be walking alone.
“I will be joined by many who share my dedication. Last year, over 550 Out of the Darkness Walks took place in communities and on campuses across the United States, attended by a quarter of a million people who share my passion,” she said.
“These walks are about turning hope into action,” said Robert Gebbia, CEO of the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention. “The research has shown us how to fight suicide, and if we keep up the fight, the science is only going to get better and our culture will get smarter about mental health. With the efforts of our courageous volunteers, and a real investment from our nation’s leaders, we hope to significantly reduce the suicide rate in the United States.”
There will be resources available at the walk for anyone in need of immediate support, according to organizers.
“We especially want recent survivors of suicide and suicide loss to know they aren’t obligated to raise money or even participate at this event; they are more than welcome to stop in for some general guidance or just get connected with local supports,” McAuliffe said.
It’s also important that the walkers have time for connection and fellowship following this emotional event, so there will once again be a free community meal after the walk for participants, according to Jagodinski.
Suicide has affected McAuliffe personally. In August 2015, she lost her sister Elizabeth to suicide.
“She was a wife, mother, advocate, aunt, and friend to many. Since then, I have dedicated my time to educating others about suicide prevention and mental health,” she said.
Sponsors for the Walworth County walk include Advia Credit Union, Lake Geneva Wellness Clinic, Splashtime Pools and Spas, First Community Credit Union, Verlo, Stebnitz Builders, J. Robert’s, Elkcast Aluminum, Old National Bank, Geneva Family Dentistry and Wisconsin Oven.
To register for the local Out of the Darkness Walk visit afsp.org/Walworth.
