Even as we begin plans for the 2012 Out of the Darkness Community Walk, it feels good to remember and to share the wonderful experience of last year’s. We’ve put together a pictorial of memories along with personal comments from individuals who were present during this meaningful day. These pictures were taken by the gifted photographer Hyunsoo Leo Kim.
| September 10, 2011 | |
| Mount Trashmore | |
| Virginia Beach, Virginia |
Special thanks to our photographer for making the pictorial possible - Hyunsoo Leo Kim
The national sponsor, the American Foundation for Suicide prevention, with the local sponsor the Hampton Roads Survivors of Suicide Prevention were eager to welcome everyone to the Out of the Darkness Community Walk!
Mt. Trashmore at Virginia Beach, with its lake, mountain and accommodations, was a beautiful location for the Walk.
Everyone needed to check in at the Registration Table – whether pre-registered or not.
There were over 30 volunteers, headed by Susan Rowe, from TowneBank to assist.
Of 250 Out of the Darkness Community Walks across the nation, our Walk was the largest with over 3,100 registrants! This is a testimony that Hampton Roads is responsive to the need to promote good mental health.
We had volunteers posted around the park to greet participants and to answer any questions.
Every year, our gifted photographer, Hyunsoo Leo Kim, gives the Walk many beautiful pictures which capture the faces and the 'Spirit' of this great cause.
Many people added their own personal message to the 2011 banner. Some were words supporting the effort to raise awareness of the disease of depression to prevent the tragedy of suicide. Some were in remembrance of a loved one lost to suicide. All were sharing the Spirit of hope.
You had the option of ordering, in advance of the Walk, a T-shirt with the crane symbol on it. It was especially designed for the Walk by graphic designer Susan Romero.
We had many generous and caring sponsors. If you raised over $150 to donate to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), you were given an Out of the Darkness Community Walk T-shirt in appreciation. Any money raised funds research, education, and treatment programs to prevent suicide. The AFSP is our country’s leading non-profit organization exclusively dedicated to prevent suicide.
The Va Beach Police Department had a strong presence with a group of over 40 walkers & with many volunteers.
Chesapeake Poice Department also provided support with their vehicles and equipment
Station 16 of the Virginia Beach Fire Department flew an American Flag 50’ high over the park as a way to support the Out of the Darkness Community Walk.
The Va Beach Volunteer Recue Squad also joined in providing resources
The Chesapeake Police's Negotiations walked as a group as a way to raise awareness in promoting good mental health.
People were invited to wear a silver ribbon as an armband to increase awareness of depression and suicide. Or, if you lost a loved one to suicide, you could wear a colored armband to remember them: purple for a child lost, red for a parent, blue for a spouse, green for a sibling and gold if it were extended family.
Please go to page 2 of our pictorial by clicking here
