Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk

Details

Sat, September 17, 2022 | 9:00am Start
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Overview

The Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk is a special event that provides community, connection, healing, and hope for survivors of suicide loss and those with lived experience.

By registering for the walk on 09/17/2022, you are joining a strong community united in an effort to fight suicide while showing up for yourself, recognizing and honoring those you love, raising awareness, educating communities, supporting one another, and sharing hope.

Every dollar you raise through the Chicagoland Walk allows AFSP to invest in life-saving research, education, advocacy, and support for those impacted by suicide.

  • There is NO FEE to register.
  • Online registration closes at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, September 16, 2022.
  • Walk together!  Teams are welcome and encouraged.
  • When you register online, you will not need to check-in at the event, unless you have additional donations to turn in.
  • Onsite registration will open at 9:00am.
  • There is NO FEE to register.
  • We strongly encourage everyone to register online to help eliminate congregating and congestion at the registration tables.
  • There will be QR codes posted around the registration area that will redirect to the online registration page. Registration envelopes will also be available if needed.
  • Location:  Montrose Harbor, 601 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago, IL 60613
  • The route is 3 miles and starts and ends at the event site.

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  • We encourage participants to create signs at home to carry along the route. Add messages and photos to honor loved ones, celebrate yourself, inspire hope, and raise awareness.  (Please use safe messaging and no profanity.)
  • Masks are not required but are welcomed and encouraged for the health and safety of our participants, volunteers, and staff, we encourage everyone to wear a mask. If you forget a mask, they will be available on-site. Please remember, if you are not feeling well, stay home.
  • Text 312.802.9714 with any issues.
  • The walk location is just east of Lakeshore Drive at Montrose Avenue and Simonds Drive.

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Mental Health Services Tent sponsored by Compass Health Center

This tent will be located on-site for any participants having a tough time and needing someone to speak with. Please note this is not meant to be a counseling or therapy session.

Education Outreach Tent

Free AFSP resources and small giveaways will be available at this tent.

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Beads will be available on-site and you can choose your color(s) to show your personal connection and identify with others who understand your experience.

Why We Walk Wall

Leave a message or share a photo on the wall. If you want to share a photo, bring it with you and stop by the Why We Walk Tent for a push pin to place it on the wall. For messages, blank notecards and markers will be provided as well as push pins to place your note on the wall.

Blue & Red Ribbon Tent

If you are a Red or Blue Ribbon Walker, please visit the Red and Blue Ribbon Walker Tent to receive your ribbon and gift.

  • $500-$999 – Red Ribbon Walker
  • $1,000+ – Blue Ribbon Walker

T-Shirt Tent

If you raise at least $150 (including day-of donations), you will receive the official walk t-shirt, which can be picked up at the T-Shirt Tent.

Donation Tent

Donations can be turned in and made at the Donation Tent on-site. Donations are 100% tax-deductible. Donations will be accepted through December 31, 2022.

AFSP Store Tent

Looking for AFSP merchandise? Visit the AFSP Store! Cash, check or credit card accepted.

  • From the South and/or West: Take Lake Shore Drive north, exit at Montrose, Wilson or Foster. Follow along to Simonds Drive.
  • From the Northwest: Take I-90 east to Irving Park Ave. Go east to Lakeshore Drive. Go north on Lakeshore Drive and exit Montrose, Wilson or Foster. Follow along Simonds Drive.
  • From the North: Take I-94 south to Peterson. Exit Peterson and go east to Lake Shore Drive. Go south on Lake Shore Drive (Hwy 41). Exit at Foster, Wilson or Montrose. Follow to Simonds Drive.

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  • Free and paid street parking is available on Simonds Drive from Montrose Avenue north to Foster Avenue.
  • The Montrose Lot (right yellow star above) will be rented for the event and will be free on a first come, first serve basis.
  • The Wilson Lot (left yellow star above) is an option based on availability. Costs and information can be found here.
  • Spot Hero: Visit the Montrose Field SpotHero Parking Page and book a spot.
  • #146 Bus route stops at Marine Drive and Montrose
  • CTA Brown line stops at Montrose Ave
  • Plan your trip at www.transitchicago.com

For those unable to attend in-person, we will have a virtual hour-long program so you can walk in your own community and still interact online with fellow participants.

  • Virtual site:  afsp.chicagowalk.org/program-2022
    • Write messages on the virtual Why I Walk Wall, share photos on the virtual Memorial Wall, view the slideshow, shop the AFSP Store, and more.
  • Opens at 8:00 am CST on Saturday, September 17, 2022.
  • The program will be available the entire weekend, so you can walk whenever works best for you! Just click the link, and you have two ways to listen to the audio program.
  • Virtual participants that have raised $150 or more have the following options to receive their official walk t-shirt and honor beads:
    • On-site pick up:  Montrose Harbor, 601 W. Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60613 on Friday, September 16, 2022 between 12:00 and 3:00 pm You can pick up for others as well.
    • Via Mail:  Complete this form to have your t-shirt mailed to you to arrive within 2-3 weeks after the event.
  • Text 312.802.9714 with any issues.

Looking to connect with active consumers at this event? For pricing and a customized benefits package, please contact Norine Smyth at 312-799-0354 or Laura Wilke at 773-584-6669.

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