A SusanvilleStuff Gallery
by Jeremy Couso
More than 260 participants gathered at Memorial Park on September 7th, joining with hundreds of thousands of people across the country to raise awareness and funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. More than 30 teams took part in the Out of the Darkness community walk, raising a total of $10,912.99 for the non-profit organization that invests in new research, creates educational programs, advocates for public policy and supports survivors of suicide loss.
According to organizers these community walks, held in hundreds of cities across the country, give people the courage to open up about their own struggle or loss, and provide a platform to change our culture’s approach to mental health.
The event in Memorial Park included a Bead Ceremony with different colored beads that represent how suicide has affected a person’s life.
Speakers shared their personal stories of loss and hope and afterward the participants walked a course up to Weatherlow Street, down Main Street, back across Grand Avenue and to North Street and the park.
Agencies and organizations like the Aurora Network, Lassen County Foster Youth Services and the Lassen County Sheriff’s office all set up informational booths to help disseminate resources.
Along with the money raised by the walking participants, sponsors of the event also contributed more than $5,000 to the cause.
Live music at the Out of the Darkness walk was provided by local favorites Lacuna Tide.
We have a lot more photos in our SusanvilleSnapshots.com photo gallery. Click here to see them all!
We have a lot more photos in our SusanvilleSnapshots.com photo gallery. Click here to see them all!
