Out of the Darkness Walk September 8

On Sunday, Sept. 8, all are invited to the 3rd Annual Carrington Out of the Darkness Walk.

The event will take place at the Carrington City Park, starting with a freewill donation meal at 12:30 p.m. Registration opens at 1 p.m., and the Opening Ceremony gets underway at 2 p.m.

Out of the Darkness Walks, led by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and organized locally by Carrington Health Communities Coalition, raise awareness and funds to send the message that suicide can be prevented, and that no one is alone.

Co-chairs Lisa Hilbert and Ashley Schulz are looking for volunteers to help on the day of the event, as well as individuals, businesses, groups and organizations who want to sponsor the event or organize a team. They have set a goal to raise $30,000 at this year's event.

A variety of opportunities and benefits are available at sponsorship levels from $500 to $3,000. With a donation of $750 or above, a business can have its logo printed on the annual walk T-shirts. In order to take full advantage of the sponsorship benefits, sponsor commitments must be received by Thursday, August 1.

Sponsorship dollars are tax-deductible. All funds raised from the Out of the Darkness Walks allow the AFSP to invest in research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy and support survivors of suicide loss in our area.

As in past years, all parts of the event are optional. An individual can participate without walking. There will be a golf cart available the day of the walk to offer courtesy rides for those with mobility challenges. Participants of all ages and their pets are welcome.

Fundraising is also not required. An individual can offer financial support through free will donations at the meal or other walk activities.

The event will also have a "virtual attendance" option this year. Anyone who will be out of town or who lives in another community can still take part.

How? Well, simply register online and "walk" from wherever you are. Then post a video or photo to your Facebook page and tag the "Carrington Out of the Darkness Walk" page.

Early registration is strongly encouraged. Register online anytime at afsp.org/carrington.

Bethel Church will host an early registration event after their regular 10 a.m. worship on August 11. Bethel Church is located at 70 Poplar Ave S, Carrington.

Committee members are delivering yard signs in town this year. Supporters interested in displaying signs in their yard or at their business can contact Hilbert at (701) 650-1673 or lhilbert@nd.gov or Schulz at (701) 652-5620 or ashleyschulz2016@gmail.com. You may also send a private message via their Facebook page with the name and address where they can deliver the sign.

Walk Day Events

A variety of activities are planned for walk day. Those colored squares will be back, to help illustrate the patchwork of support available in the community. Each participant will choose colored squares to denote how they have been affected by suicide. This year, all the colored squares will be made into a table runner design, with several available to win at next year's event via a raffle.

Walk teams are encouraged to set up their own activity booth at this year's event, with any free will donations received going toward their team total. Want to do face painting, make a craft such as tissue paper butterflies or sell memorial bracelets to participants? This is a great way to engage the community of supporters on the day of the event, and maybe even tip the scales to become the top fundraising team! Limited space is available, so contact Hilbert or Schulz as soon as possible with your idea and claim your activity.

Also new this year, the committee plans to build a Memorial Wall and display it at the event. This is one more way to remember and honor loved ones lost to suicide. For a free will donation, they will place an individual's name on the wall.

To add a name to the Memorial Wall, mail the person's name and donation to Foster County Public Health, Attn: AFSP Carrington, 881 Main St, Carrington, ND 58421. Envelopes can also be placed in the drop box outside of the public health office.

Foster County Independent staff will take photos of the event, and a gallery will be posted online with free downloads offered for a period of time.

Anyone interested in sponsorships or donations, volunteering the day of the event or who wants to be part of the planning committee should contact Hilbert or Schulz.

The next meeting is set for Thursday, August 8 at 6:15 p.m. in the Carrington Library Community Room. All are welcome.

Registration, walk details and contact information for Hilbert and Schulz are all available online at afsp.org/carrington.