Become a Sponsor

Sponsoring this Walk shows your community and employees that your business cares about mental health and preventing suicide. Download the 2023 Sponsor Packet. 

Sponsor T-Shirt Deadline: 8/25/2023

Overall Sponsor Deadline: 9/15/2023 

Resources Fair

Exhibitors are invited to participate in our Resources Fair to present materials related to resources offered by the exhibitor which serve the AFSP’s mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. 

Apply to Exhibit Here

Volunteers Needed

Walk planning committee and day-of event volunteers are always needed, and we cannot be successful without them! 

Volunteer at the Walk: Sign Up to Volunteer Here!

If you are interested in joining the Walk's planning committee or volunteering with the AFSP National Capital Area Chapter: Complete the AFSP-NCAC Volunteer Application

Fundraise to Help #StopSuicide

$150+ - Raise $150 by 10/21/2023 and receive the official Out of the Darkness Walk t-shirt!

Donations can be made to a team as a whole,  but the t-shirt and other Recognition Program Gifts are based only on INDIVIDUAL fundraising.  

More Team & Walker Rewards!

Earn recognition, a team table and/or tent at the Walk, AFSP swag, and more through our locally-offered Team & Walker Rewards! 

Promote the Walk! 

Follow us on social! @AFSP.NCAC on Facebook and @AFSP_NCAC on Instagram and Twitter.

Tag us as you post on your social accounts, and share why you walk with your community! Use #StopSuicideNCAC to connect our local community served by the AFSP National Capital Area Chapter.

Team Corner

Become a Team Captain

Team Central

Be sure to follow all of the steps after registering to get that fundraising going! 

* Update your page and pic 

* Make a self-donation

* Check out our Top 10 Tips & To Dos!

* Utilize Participant Hub

* Create a FB Fundraiser through your DonorDrive account or it will not connect to your page! This is super easy in the app btw (wink wink) 

On-Site Activities

Stop by the AFSP Store for merchandise, visit the photo booth, and more!

Honor Beads

Honor Beads will be available on-site to show your connection(s) to the cause.

Resources Fair

Exhibitors are invited to participate in our Resources Fairs to present materials related to resources offered by the exhibitor which serve the AFSP’s mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. Deadline to Apply: September 22, 2023

Apply to Exhibit Here

Hope & Healing

Walkers will have the opportunity to participate in activities of Hope & Healing, including:

* Order a Personalized Honor & Remembrance Sign to be displayed on the Walk Route. Order Deadline: September 15, 2023

* Add to the Honor & Remembrance Chain

* Make a personalized "I'm Walking For" button

Q: Is there a registration fee?
A: No, there is no registration fee to participate.

Q: What if it rains?
A: The event is rain or shine and would only be canceled in the instance of severe weather that would compromise the safety of our guests.

Q: Is there a fundraising minimum?
A: No, but we strongly encourage each participant to set a $150 fundraising goal to help support AFSP's work to stop suicide and receive the official walk t-shirt!

Q: Is the event/Walk kid-friendly?  
A: Yes!  The pre-event and Walk are both family-friendly, and we will have activities to keep you little ones entertained. The pre-walk event is in a grassy field, but is bordered by pavement/paved sidewalks to make each area accessible. While the route is paved and stroller-friendly, there may be unforeseen obstructions along the walk route beyond our control (ie: construction detours). See Walk Route Map for details.

Q: Can I bring my dog?  
A: Yes!  Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome. We will also have some doggy swag at our AFSP Merchandise area so you pup can walk the walk in style. 

Q: If I come alone, will someone walk with me?  
A: Yes! Volunteer Walk Buddies will be on-site to walk with anyone who does not want to walk alone or needs assistance navigating the walk route. You will be able to identify volunteer Walk Buddies by their orange t-shirts that say "Walk Buddy."

Q: Can I register at the Walk?  
A: Yes! You can register in-person at the Walk from the time check-in begins until the walk starts. Walk donations are accepted until 12/31/2023.

Q: If I raise enough money, will my whole team get a shirt?
A: No. The shirts are only given to individuals who raise $150. If your whole team wants a shirt, each member must raise $150. 

Q: How do I make an offline donation?
A; To send a donation by check, please complete this Offline Donation Form and send it with your check to the address provided.

Q: Can I bring my own table / tent / chairs for my team?  
A: No. However, you do have the opportunity to have AFSP provide your team a tent and/or table at the Walk by earning them through our Team & Walker Rewards! 

Q: Where can I park?  
A: Attendees may park in the lot behind City Hall and overflow street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhoods (east of George Mason Blvd. and west of Chain Bridge Rd.). There are also several public parking lots and garages throughout Historic Fairfax and the Courthouse complex. We do recommend you arrive early to ensure you get a space close to the event. 

Q: Will there be food/drink available?  
A: Water and light snacks will be provided by AFSP for volunteers and registered walkers only.

Q: What if my group gets separated?  
A: We advise guests to use the DJ station as a meet-up location. Additionally, you can alert the DJ at the stage to make an announcement over the sound system.

Q: Must-have items I should bring?  
A: We recommend bringing comfy shoes, bug spray, sunscreen, reusable water bottles, donations, and money to purchase your AFSP swag!

Q: What is the Walk Route?  
A: The walk route is approximately 1.9 miles long, paved, and relatively flat. The route is wheelchair accessible and walkers can absolutely bring strollers on the walk with them as this event is for the whole family. However, there may be unforeseen obstructions along the walk route beyond our control (ie: construction detours). See the  Walk Route Map for details.

Q: Will there be restrooms on-site?  
A: Yes! There will be on-site porta potties available for registered walkers and volunteers.

Q: Where do I go for First Aid?  
A: A first aid kit can be found at the Volunteer Check-in tent. We will also have police officers on-site who can help provide first aid assistance as well. And, of course, if there is an emergency or you need immediate care while out on the Walk Route, please dial 911.

Q: Accessibility Info?  
A: The pre-walk event venue and walk route are both wheelchair accessible (see Walk Route Map). While the pre-walk event is partly in a grassy field, the event will be set up in a way where all areas will be bordered by pavement. Please keep in mind there may be unforeseen obstructions along the walk route beyond our control (ie: construction detours).

We will have an ASL interpreter on the stage for the pre-walk Opening Ceremony.

Walk Buddies will be available to help guide anyone who needs assistance navigating the walk route. 

Additional info about the venue's accessibility can be found on the City of Fairfax's Park & Rec website. 

Q: Who may I contact with questions or requests for accommodations?  
A: AFSP-NCAC Special Events Manager Kelly Mahoney at kmahoney@afsp.org.