Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk: Chicago, Illinois
The more I learn about athletic charity events in Chicago, the more I realize why they are so successful here and why Chicago is chosen as a location for national events. On the website for the Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention describes the Chicago walk route as being “full of sweeping lakefront views, big city streets and picturesque neighborhoods, supported by the welcoming warmth of the Windy City’s residents.” I couldn’t agree more.
Since my educational background is in psychology, this event touches my heartstrings. The purpose of the Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk is to raise awareness for suicide, depression, and other mood disorders. Not only is this a unique cause, but the event is an 18-mile overnight walk that starts at dusk and ends at dawn. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention hopes to mobilize thousands of people to highlight the urgency to end the stigma surrounding mental illness and to recognize and treat mood disorders before it is too late. Here are the details of this very worthy cause:
What: Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk to raise awareness for suicide, depression, and other mood disorders
When: The event starts at dusk on Saturday, June 27, 2009 and ends at dawn on Sunday, June 28, 2009.
Where: The event starts and ends at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois.
Cost: $50 for regular registration; $35 for full-time high school or college students
Other: The event includes an opening ceremony, a midnight meal, closing ceremony, and plenty of reflection on those lost to suicide and those who can still be saved.
Have you participated in an Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk? If so, I’d love to hear about your experience. I had not heard of this event and think it sounds fantastic. Post a comment to this blog and tell us about it.
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