The Out of the Darkness Keuka Lake Walk will bring participants to Keuka Lake State Park at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, to remember people lost to suicide, support those affected and raise money for suicide prevention.
The community event supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Registration, team creation and donations are available through the Keuka Lake walk page, and organizers say people do not need to belong to a team or have experienced a suicide loss to attend.
Participants can walk in someone's memory or honor, support a friend or relative, or take part to raise awareness. Attendees should tell the park attendant they are there for the Out of the Darkness Walk so they will not have to pay the regular park admission fee.
Remembrance and community activities
The program includes a Hope and Healing Table, a bead ceremony, rock painting and a HOPE display, according to the event announcement.
Participants can write messages to loved ones on ribbons and attach them to the display. The bead ceremony lets people choose beads reflecting their different connections to suicide loss, mental health struggles or their own experiences with suicide.
Nate Michaels will provide live music. Food will be available from Aumack's Eats and Wholesome Wonders, and a raffle will offer sports memorabilia, hotel stays and baskets from local businesses.
Organizers list a Buffalo Bills cleat and a signed New York Giants football among the prizes. Hotel stays include the Hampton Inn Penn Yan, Hotel Canandaigua and Harbor Inn Hotel in Watkins Glen.
Local support and fundraising
The Mobile Vet Center will be on site with outreach and resources for veterans. Dave Lipa, founder of Stop 22 and Got Your 6th, will share information about post-traumatic stress disorder and support for first responders.
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Local nonprofit organizations will also have information tables, giving participants access to information about community resources and services.
Registration and fundraising support the foundation's suicide-prevention research, education, advocacy and programs for people affected by suicide. People can still register, organize a fundraising team or donate through the walk page.
Anyone in crisis can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The Crisis Text Line is available by texting HOME to 741741.
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