Loudoun Walk

Join us on September 16, 2023

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Welcome to the 9th Annual

Loudoun Out of the Darkness Walk

9/16/2023

Download Event Program w. Walk Route Map


Event Details

Date: 09/16/2023

Location: NEW!  One Loudoun: 20626 Easthampton Plaza, Ashburn, VA 20147 (in front of the Alamo)

Event Timeline:

     * Check-in Time:12:00 PM

     * Opening Ceremony Time: 1:30 PM

     * Walk Start Time: 2:00 PM

     * Event Ends: 3:00 PM

Walk Chair: Greg Merritt Chair.LoudounWalk@gmail.com

Walk Deputy Chair: Sarah Kurtz DepityChair.LoudounWalk@gmail.com

 

 

Register to Walk

Sign Up Now!

The Out of the Darkness Community Walk is a journey of remembrance, hope, and support. It 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.

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?"

Having trouble registering?  Click here to watch a step-by-step guide. See FAQs below if you have any questions.

If you’ve already registered and would like to either create a new team or join an existing one, log into your account and click on the “change team membership” option on the right hand side of your dashboard tab (on mobile you’ll need to click “dashboard” first). View this video tutorial for more help.

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!


Become a Sponsor!

Download the 2023 Loudoun Walk's Sponsor Packet to learn more about our various sponsorship opportunities. With sponsorship levels starting at just $500, this is a perfect way for large and small businesses to play a leadership role in making suicide prevention a priority in our community. To recognize your support, we have developed a variety of options to elevate your brand awareness and align your business with a good cause! 

Sponsor T-Shirt Deadline: 8/11/2023

Overall Sponsor Deadline: 9/01/2023 


 

Ways You Can Help

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: 8/11/2023

Overall Sponsor Deadline: 9/01/2023 

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) 

 


Day-of Experience: Resources & Activities

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 1, 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 1, 2023 

* Add to the Honor & Remembrance Chain

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


FAQs

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 postponed or 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 and walk route are both paved and stroller-friendly.

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: 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: 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."

 

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

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: 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: Where can I park?  
A: There are tons of parking lots all around One Loudoun. However, we do recommend you arrive early to beat the crowds and get a good space. 

Q: Will there be food/drink available?  
A: Water and light snacks will be provided by AFSP for volunteers and registered walkers only. There are also lots of restaurants where you can get food "to go" in the area as well. 

Q: What is the Care Team?  
A: Care Team members are volunteer mental health professionals who will be on-site to talk to anyone who may need support at the Walk. You will be able to identify them by their purple t-shirts that say "Care Team."

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.

 

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

Q: What is the Walk Route?  
A: See Walk Route w. Turn-by-Turn Directions

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 venue and walk route are both wheelchair accessible. 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. Turn-by-turn directions are available on the Walk Route w. Turn-by-Turn Directions

Q: Where can I find additional info about the venue? 
A: Visit the One Loudoun website

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

 

 

 

 

 


 

Thank You to our NCAC Out of the Darkness Presenting Sponsor:

 

Thank You to our Loudoun Out of the Darkness Trailblazer Sponsor:


 

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