CELEBRATE COMMUNITY: Suicide prevention walk exceeds fundraising goal

OKALOOSA ISLAND — More than 200 participants walked in the 7th Annual Emerald Coast Out of the Darkness Community Walk at John Beasley Park on Okaloosa Island.

The walk was hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Florida Panhandle Chapter on Nov. 16. Participants came from Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, and other nearby communities.

It was a day filled with hope, strength, tears, hugs and community.

“Our goal was to raise $15,000, and the community stepped up in a big way,” event chair Donna Williamson said. “We are continuously amazed by the giving hearts of our neighbors, community partners, walkers, donors and sponsors. We are thrilled to have raised over $40,000, and this will go a long way in increasing our suicide prevention efforts here locally and nationally.”

The Emerald Coast Out of the Darkness Walk is one of more than 550 Out of the Darkness Overnight, Community, and Campus Walks held nationwide this year. The walks are expected to unite more than 300,000 walkers and raise millions for suicide prevention efforts.

Last year, the Emerald Coast Walk raised $22,000 and had 300 participants. Funds raised during the event support bringing programs such as Talk Saves Lives and More Than Sad to the local community and bring AFSP one step closer to their goal to reduce the suicide rate 20% by 2025.

“These walks are about turning hope into action,” AFSP CEO Robert Gebbia said. “Suicide is a serious problem, but it’s a problem we can solve. The research has shown us how to fight suicide, and if we keep up the fight, the science is only going to get better, our culture will get smarter about mental health and we’ll be able to save more people from dying from depression and other mental health conditions.”

Event Sponsors included Blue Haven Pools, Buffalo’s Reef, Dock on the Island, Emerald Coast Harley-Davidson, Gulf Therapy, Galati Yacht Sales, Sunrise Marine, Madison Parc Apartments, and Detailed Creative Co.

Donations will continue to be accepted online at AFSP.org/EmeraldCoast through Dec. 31.