Thousands of Atlantans came together for the Out of Darkness Walk held in Atlanta on Nov. 5 to raise money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - Georgia Chapter. This walk was one of five held across Georgia and among hundreds held across the country for AFSP.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is a national nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention, save lives and bring hope. We do this by raising awareness, funding scientific research and providing resources and aid to those affected by suicide,” said Chris Owens, Georgia area director.
The walks are AFSP’s largest fundraiser and the money raised goes towards suicide prevention programs, unite those who have been affected by suicide and create communities that are smart about mental health.
The funds raised through Georgia’s walks will support education, advocacy, or support programs that are held across the state at least once a week.
Diane Gillen, from Woodstock, lost her son to suicide in 2010. She has been volunteering at ASFP-Georgia for the past six years, and has seen the first-hand effect of the community of ASFP.
“This organization has been a lifesaver by providing us with many healing opportunities. The Out of the Darkness Community Walks became very important to us, and we have been blessed to have a wonderful support group of friends and family who walk with us each year,” she shard. “We walk to honor Brendan’s memory. We want to help raise awareness and because we realize how important research in the area of mental health and suicide prevention is to saving lives.”
This was Gillen’s eighth walk with the chapter.
ASFP - Georgia seeks volunteers to help in many ways to raise awareness of its mission. The community can volunteer to organize the walks, volunteer for its events or offer skills such as fundraising, marketing and more to support the organization.
“Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in Georgia and it affects so many people. The Out of the Darkness Walks are proof that when people work together they can make big changes in the world,” shared Owens.
ASFP - Georgia will also host its big event, Georgia Capitol Day, on Monday, February 12, 2018. The AFSP State Capitol Day aims to bring together volunteers to advocate for state policy changes that will improve mental health and prevent suicide.
In other news
Ashton Woods’ Atlanta division presented Camp Twin Lakes with a donation of over $94,000 to support its mission. Camp Twin Lakes has provided life-changing camp experiences to thousands of Georgia’s children with serious illnesses, disabilities and other life challenges. The donation was achieved through Ashton Woods’ Fourth annual Camp Twin Lakes Golf Tournament held at Bear’s Best in Suwanee, Ga. The amount raised will provide 171 children with the means to attend the camp. Ashton Woods has raised for Camp Twin Lakes in four years to more than $324,000.
Information: afsp.org/chapter/afsp-georgia/
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