Birmingham Alabama Walk

Join us on November 5, 2023

Donate

Welcome to the Out of the Darkness

Birmingham Alabama Walk

11/05/2023

Event Details

Date: 11/05/2023

Location: Veterans Park (4800 Valleydale Road), Hoover, AL

Check-in Time: 1:00 pm

Walk Start Time: 2:30 pm

Contact Information

Walk Chair: Marissa Grayson, 205-613-6630, marissa.grayson@gmail.com

Know Before You Go!

Arrival: Check-in for pre-registered participants and onsite registration will begin at 1:00 PM for participants 13 years of age and older. Make sure to turn in your donations and grab the appropriate colored beads when you arrive.

Can I register at the walk? Yes. Onsite registration is available, however, the quickest way to sign up is online at afsp.org/birmingham. You can register in-person at the walk from 1:00 PM until the walk begins at 2:30 PM.

What if I have donations to turn in? Please bring all checks to the registration table.

T-Shirt Pick Up: Pre-registered participants who have raised $150 or who have $150 or more in donations to turn in on walk day should report to the registration area to pick up their incentive t-shirts.

Can I fundraise after the walk ends? Absolutely! All proceeds received until December 31st will be counted towards the Birmingham Out of the Darkness Walk.

How long is the walk? The route is a little over one mile long. It is a stroll around the water at Veterans Park to show the community's support for the cause. Participants do not have to complete the entire route or even walk.

Are strollers and wagons allowed? Yes. Strollers and wagons are allowed. Please know that the walk route is mainly gravel and will require some walking on grass due to construction taking place at Veterans Park.

Can I bring a chair or tent? Yes. The closing and opening ceremonies take a bit – you may want a place to sit. There will be a designated area for teams that want to bring a tent.

Can furry friends attend? Yes. Well-behaved and leashed dogs are welcome! Please clean up after your pets.

Where should we park? Please park at Jefferson State or Spain Park and take the paths to the park. Due to construction and limited space, we request you leave all spots in front of the park for people needing accessible parking.

Will food be available? Yes. There will be complimentary drinks and snacks. There will also be numerous food trucks selling food to support the walk. We will have tables and chairs set up for people to enjoy the food and visit.

Are there public restrooms? - Public restrooms are available for use on the side of the main building.

What activities will take place? - We will have activities of hope and healing - including the Messages of Hope activity. Please remember to bring photos and other mementos of your loved ones to place on the memory wall in the Remembrance Area. We will have a table available to place items on as well. Also, remember to have your team’s photo taken, write a letter to your legislator sharing why suicide prevention matters, visit the numerous non-profit tables, have your kids visit the kids area, and find support from those surrounding you.

Will there be merchandise for sale? Yes, you will be able to buy AFSP merchandise. However, walk t-shirts are only for individuals who raise at least $150 by walk day.

What is the schedule for the day?

Check-in and activities – 1pm-2:30pm
Opening Ceremonies – Begin at 2:30pm
Welcome
Introduction of Non-profits
Art of Kindness Award Winners Announced
Mindfulness Activity
Bead Ceremony
Moment of Silence
Walk led by Ironvest Partners, our presenting sponsors, and piper playing Amazing Grace
Closing Ceremonies – Begin after walkers’ finish (around 3:45pm)
Message of Thanks
Message of Hope
Butterfly Release
Wrap-up
Event ends around 4pm

What should I bring wit me? Donations collected, a picture for the remembrance area (if applicable), a chair or tent if desired, walking shoes, money for merchandise and food trucks

Anything else I should remember? Daylight Savings ends the day of the walk!

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!

Ways You Can Help

Volunteer at the Event

Event Committee and Day-of Walk volunteers are always needed and we cannot be successful without them!

Send an email to marissa.grayson@gmail.com to sign-up today! Thank you!

Become a Sponsor

Sponsoring the Birmingham Alabama Walk shows your community and employees that your business cares about mental health and preventing suicide. Contact marissa.grayson@gmail.com to become a sponsor today!

Fundraise to Help #StopSuicide

$150+ - Raise $150 by 11/05/2023 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.}

Promote the Walk in Your Community!

Post on your social accounts and share why you walk with your community!

Team Corner

Become a Team Captain

Team Central

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)

FAQs

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

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.

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

Is there a fundraising minimum?
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!

Can I register at the Walk? Yes! You can register in-person at the Walk from the time check-in begins until the walk starts. Walk donations are accepted until December 31st.

Are dogs allowed? Yes! Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome at the walk.