One week until the Birmingham Out of the Darkness Walk

We're One Week Away!

Hello,

Thank you so much for supporting the Alabama Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) by registering for next weekend's Out of the Darkness Walk. Online registration closes at noon on Friday (11/2) and we currently have over 900 people signed up and have raised more than $65k and counting !

Remember - anyone who isn't able to register online will still be able to register in person starting at 1pm on Sunday, November 4th. Donations are accepted online through December 31st, and your page will remain active until then.

Read on to learn what you can expect at the walk.

Where is Veterans Park?

We are excited to host you at a new location! Veterans Park is located at 4800 Valleydale Rd - Birmingham, AL 35242

Where do I park?

Handicap parking is located directly in front of the park. Everyone else should park at Spain Park High School and take the short walking path down to the park or at Jefferson State Community College next to the park.

What should I do when I arrive?

Once you arrive at the park, please be sure you visit REGISTRATION & CHECK-IN first. Check-in for those who registered online and registration for walk-up registrants begins at 1:00pm.

*** Do not forget that Daylight Savings Ends on November 4 - Make sure you turn the clock back!

What is the schedule for the day?

Check-in begins at 1pm.

The opening ceremony will begin at 2:30pm, and the walk will kick off right after the Opening Ceremony concludes.

Closing ceremonies will begin when people are done walking (roughly 3:15). Stick around for our butterfly release and the performance of "Survivor" by American Idol Finalist Casey Thrasher.

Can I bring donations?

Yes, if you have received any donations you can bring them with you to the walk and we will make sure they get added to your fundraising total. Checks are preferred, but cash is accepted. Please note: donations for the walk can be made online through December 31st, and your page will remain active until then.

How long is the walk?

The walk route is a little over 1 mile.

Can I bring my dog to the walk?

Dogs on a leash are more than welcome at the walk. Make sure to bring your dog by Paws for Prevention and buy your dog an AFSP bandana.

Will snacks/water be provided?

We encourage you to purchase lunch from one of the several food trucks attending they walk. They will be donating a portion of their proceeds to AFSP! Also, water and light refreshments will be available for free at the event.

Are there restrooms?

Restrooms are available in the first pavilion at the park.

What happens if it rains?

The walk will take place rain or shine. Check the weather before leaving home, and if it calls for rain, please wear proper rain gear.

Besides walking, what else can I do at the event?

*Resource Fair

Take time to stop and visit our many local partners and vendors.

*AFSP Merchandise Store

Please bring credit card/cash/check for our store! Net proceeds go to our walk!

*Memory Wall

Please bring a picture of who you are walking for to display on our Memory Wall in the Survivor Area. You can collect the picture after the event is over, or leave it with us if you prefer. Please bring copies of photos as we cannot guarantee originals will not be damaged by wind, rain, etc.

*Honor Beads

Be sure to pick up Honor Beads after you check-in. We all wear honor beads - each color shows our personal connection to the cause, and helps us identify others who understand our experience.

*Photo Stop

Team photos will be taken by our on-site photographer in front of a designated area. Be sure to stop by and get your picture taken!

*Messages of Hope

If you struggle with a mental illness, it can feel like no one understands what you're going through. Share messages of hope and healing with others who have lived experience by writing on a rock or designing signs to carry on the walk route.

*Why I Walk Wall

Be sure to fill out a butterfly card with a message about why you are participating in the Alabama Out of the Darkness Walk.

*Kids Area

We have lots of fun, interactive activities for children at the Walk! Your child can pick up a temporary Be The Voice tattoo here too!

Still have questions?

If you have a question that was not covered in the FAQ above, please contact Walk Chair Nicole Mullis at [email protected].

Special thanks to our sponsors:

We look forward to seeing you this weekend!