Walk Date: 12/14/2019
Walk Location: Al Lopez Park - Tampa, FL
Check-in/Registration Time: 7:30 am
Walk Begins: 9:00 am
Walk Ends: 11:00 am
For more information, please contact:
Contact Name: Gloria Ballard
Contact Phone: 813-922-2955
Contact Email: TampaOOTD@gmail.com
Online registration closes at noon (local time) the Friday before the walk. However, anyone who would like to participate can register in person at the walk from the time check-in begins until the walk starts. Registration is free and open to the public. Walk donations are accepted until December 31st.
When you walk in the Out of the Darkness Walks, you join the effort with hundreds of thousands of people to raise awareness and funds that allow the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to invest in new research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss.
Thanks to Walkers and Donors like you, AFSP has been able to set a goal to reduce the annual suicide rate 20% by 2025.
Click the Register Now button at the top of the page to get started right away.
Walk Route
We will enjoy a beautiful 5k Walk Around Al Lopez Park.
We will be set up in the field towards the back of Al Lopez Park near the playground and dog park.
Pets
Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome at the event. AND - wish a $5 donation, you can pick up an AFSP pet bandana at the AFSP merchandise tent.
Become a Sponsor!
Download the Tampa Bay Walk SPONSORSHIP PACKET. With sponsorship opportunities starting at only $250, this is a perfect opportunity for large and small businesses to play a role in making suicide prevention a priority in the community. All sponsors will receive marketing and publicity benefits!
Click here to upload your sponsor agreement and logo online.
Help Spread the Word!
Download the Tampa Bay WALK FLYER to send to family and friends and display in your community. Encourage everyone you know to REGISTER, DONATE, and JOIN the movement to save lives! Please help promote the event through your social media outlets! #OutoftheDarkness
There are many more social media outlets, please use any and all to help promote the event. Tell your story about why you walk!
T-Shirts
Raise $150 by 12/14/2019 and receive an official Out of the Darkness Walk T-shirt!
Remember, in addition to fundraising online, you will be able to turn in additional cash or check donations at the registration table the day of the Walk.
Activities of Hope and Healing
Please bring a copy of a picture to put on our Memory Wall. Photos will not be returned so remember to take all photos with you at the end of the event.
This is a family friendly event. We will have face painting and there is a playground located next to where the event is set up.
Weather permitting, at the conclusion of our opening ceremony there will be a dove release.
Losing someone to suicide or struggling with a mental illness can feel like no one understands what you are going through. Unlike other illnesses, it is difficult to look at someone and know their connection.
There is an honor bead for everyone, whether you have lost a loved one, struggle personally, support a friend and/or family member, or all of the above.
Top Fundraisers
The Top Fundraising team as of 9 am on 12/14/19 will lead the walk by carrying the AFSP Tampa Bay Chapter Banner.
The Top Fundraising individual as of 9am on 12/14/19 will release the first dove in our dove release ceremony.
**note - for the safety of the birds the dove release ceremony is weather permitting.
The Out of the Darkness Community Walk is a journey of remembrance, hope, support, and a walk that unites a campus and community – a time to acknowledge the ways in which suicide and mental illness have affected our lives and our loved ones.