On Saturday, September 27th, the Kingfisher community came together for the 2nd annual Out of the Darkness Walk, organized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). The event united friends, families, and individuals with one common goal: to raise awareness, honor lives lost, and support those affected by suicide.
More than 70 participants walked the Kingfisher Trails, beginning at Newfield Community Park, traveling to Clearview Circle, and looping back. Some walked quietly on their own, others side by side with loved ones. Many walked in memory of those lost to suicide, while others walked for their own healing or to support someone currently struggling. Together, each step carried a message of hope and unity.
This year’s walk also raised around $4,500 from 46 donations, all of which go directly toward AFSP’s mission of saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. In fact, 83 cents of every dollar donated supports AFSP’s four key areas: research, education, support, and advocacy.
Every contribution makes a meaningful impact. Just $100 brings the It’s Real: Teens and Mental Health education program to a local high school. $250 trains field advocates on public policy priorities. $500 prepares a new Survivor of Suicide Loss support group facilitator. $1,000 funds youth suicide prevention outreach and programming, and $2,000 hosts a Research Connection event to share how AFSP-funded research is helping prevent suicide nationwide.
And it’s not too late to make a difference. If you feel led to give, donations are still being accepted athttps://afspwalks.donordrive.com/KingfisherCo
Every step walked and every dollar given brings us one step closer to a world without suicide. Photos by AAK Maitland Woody
