Salem Oregon Walk
Join us on October 14, 2023
DonateWelcome to the Out of the Darkness
Salem Oregon Walk
10/14/2023
Event Details
Date: 10/14/2023
Location: Riverfront Park, Salem, OR
Event Opens: 9:00 am
Walk Start Time: 11:00 am
Contact Information
Walk Chair: Angela Perry (she/her/hers), 503-901-7692, oregon@afsp.org
Walk Route
The walk route is approximately 2 miles, and is fully paved. If you're not able to complete the walk, that's just fine - please still join us for the event and ceremony, and you are welcome to make a shorter loop around the park if you would like!
We're looking forward to coming together again at Riverfront Park for the Salem Out of the Darkness Community Walk - a journey of remembrance, hope, and support.
This event unites our communities and provides an opportunity to acknowledge the ways in which suicide and mental health conditions have affected our lives and the lives of those we love and care about.
If you're looking for support and/or resources, please visit www.afsp.org/get-help and www.afsp.org/resources.
Register to Walk With Us! Click "Register Now."
If you are a returning participant - Thank you for being a Walk Alumni! When you click the register button be sure to click the blue Login link under "Been Here Before?"
Day-of Experience: Resources & Activities
Schedule
9 a.m. to 11 a.m. - Booths and activities open.
11 a.m. - Ceremony begins
The walk immediately follows the ceremony.
The event closes at 1 p.m. There is no closing ceremony.
On-Site ActivitiesAFSP Info Booth and Merchandise Tent Community Partner Booths Photo Backdrop Messages of Hope
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Honor Beads & Walk BibsHonor Beads will be available on-site to show your connection(s) to the cause. Walk bibs will be available so you can share why you walk.
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Hope & HealingVisit our Memorial Tent to honor and remember loved ones lost. We will have "In Memory" sheets available for you to fill out. You're also welcome to bring your own photos or signs. Visit the HOPE sign to leave messages of encouragement for others, or pick up message for yourself. |
FAQS
What time do I need to be there?
The event opens at 9 a.m. with resources, community partner booths, memorial activities, and more. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m., followed by the walk. You don't have to get there right at 9, but plan to leave enough time to park and get settled before the ceremony begins!
Where is the event, and where should I park?
The event is at the Gerry Frank Salem Rotary Amphitheater, at Riverfront Park. Parking is available at the Riverfront Park, but lots may fill. Nearby parking garages include Chemeketa Parkade, Liberty Square Parkade, and Pringle Parking. You can learn more about City Park regulations at the City of Salem website.
What should I bring?
Plan to wear comfortable shoes, bring a water bottle, and be prepared for rain! You may be standing on wet grass. You are welcome to bring pictures to post in the memorial garden, or signs to carry along the walk.
Do I need to check in when I get there?
You do not need to check in! If you have donations to drop off or a fundraiser t-shirt to pick up, head to the t-shirt pickup booth.
Do I have to register ahead of time? Can I bring someone with me who isn't registered?
It's very helpful for us if people pre-register, but it's not required! You can also register online on event day. If you’re able, please use your smartphone to register to help us reduce lines.
Can I bring my pet to the event?
Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome at the event. Please note that there will be amplified sound and a large crowd. Please pick up after your pet.
Isn't there an eclipse happening that day?
Yes, there is an Annular Solar Eclipse on Saturday morning - making our theme "Out of the Darkness" even more poignant. ! It will reach maximum view at 9:19 a.m., and complete by 10:39 a.m. Please remember not to look directly at the eclipse unless you are wearing eclipse glasses (which will not be available at the event, so plan accordingly).
Want to take an extra step to stop suicide?
Sponsor
Sponsoring the Salem Oregon Walk shows your community and employees that your business cares about mental health and preventing suicide. Click here to view our sponsorship information. Ready to join us? Sign up at afsp.org/walksponsors or contact oregon@afsp.org.
Table
We invite community partners to table at the event to share their resources and connect with the community. If your organization works in an area related to mental health or suicide prevention, please sign up here.
There's now an app to make it even easier to raise funds and receive updates!
Click below to get started!
And don't forget about all the ways you can FUNdraise!
Registration + Fundraising Tips
Fundraise to Help #StopSuicide$150+ - Raise $150 by 10/14/2023 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 incentives are based only on INDIVIDUAL fundraising. |
Team Corner
Create a FB Fundraiser through your account or it will not connect to your page! This is super easy in the app btw (wink wink)
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Register by clicking the button at the top of the page
Thank you participants, volunteers, donors, and sponsors for your support! Together, we can save lives and bring hope.
If you or someone you know is in a crisis, dial 988 or text TALK to 741-741
