Walk With Us

The Memphis 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.

By registering for the walk on October 22, 2023, you are joining a strong community united in an effort to fight suicide while showing up for yourself, recognizing and honoring those you love, raising awareness, educating communities, supporting one another, and sharing hope.

Every dollar you raise through the Memphis Walk allows AFSP to invest in life-saving research, education, advocacy, and support for those impacted by suicide.

Walk Date: 10/22/2023
Walk Location: Overton Park Greensward - Memphis, TN
Event Begins: 12:00 pm
Opening Ceremony Begins: 2:00 pm
Event Ends: 4:00pm

If you're looking for support and/or resources, please visit www.afsp.org/get-help and www.afsp.org/resources.

For more information, please contact:
Contact Name: Halli Drake (She/Her/Hers) 
Contact Phone: 615-393-4742
Contact Email: hdrake@afsp.org

When and where is the walk?
The walk is taking place on October 22nd at the Overton Park Greensward. Registration and pre-walk activities begin at 12pm and the Opening Ceremony will begin at 2pm.
 

How long is the walk route?
The walk will follow the Old Forest Trail paved Limestone Loop. The loop is 1.4 miles long and is mostly flat. If you need to take a break, the East Parkway Pavilion sits close to the halfway point.

Where should I park?
Limited free parking is available in lots at Rainbow Lake playground, the Abe Goodman Golf Clubhouse, East Parkway Pavilion, and on the park roads (Map of Overton Park). We also encourage walkers to carpool, take the bus, or use rideshare services. 
 

Are dogs allowed at the walk?
Yes! Dogs are welcome in Overton Park. All dogs must be leashed unless inside the gates at the Overton Bark dog park.
 

Why did the walk location change?
Long time walkers will notice that the walk location has changed from Memphis Botanic Gardens to Overton Park Greensward. In fall of 2022, we learned that our host of 17 years, the Memphis Botanic Gardens, would no longer be able to host. Our Walk Co-Chairs immediately went to work to find a new location keeping in mind accessibility, safety, and the overall event feel. After an extensive search, we landed at Overton Park Greensward and look forward to seeing you at our new event home. 

Is there a registration fee or fundraising minimum?
No, there is no registration fee to participate. AFSP does not have a fundraising minimum, but we strongly encourage each participant to set a $150 fundraising goal to help support our work to stop suicide and receive the official walk t-shirt!
 

How do I make a donation via check?
To send a donation by check, please complete this form and send it with your check to the address provided. Donations will be accepted through 12/31/23.

Become a Sponsor

Sponsoring the Memphis Walk shows the community and your employees that your business cares about mental health and suicide prevention. Become a partner to help stop this leading cause of death.

Volunteer at the Walk

Volunteer with us! Volunteers are needed for set-up, registration, parking, wayfinding, and more! Fill out this Volunteer Interest Form to get started today!

Create a Team

It's more fun to walk together! Gather friends, family, co-workers, classmates, and neighbors to walk with you on 10/22/2023.

Share on Social Media

Share your story, post photos, invite others to join you or donate to your fundraising efforts. Social media is a powerful tool!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @afsptn, and don't forget to use #afsptennessee

Fundraise to Help #StopSuicide

When you raise $150 by 10/22/2023* you'll receive the official Out of the Darkness Walk t-shirt!

*In addition to fundraising online, you will be able to turn in additional cash or check donations on-site.

Schedule

 12:00pm: Registration Opens
Community Resource Fair
Food Trucks
Art Tent

 1:00pm: Stretching & Beginner Yoga with Mary Patrick

1:00pm, 1:20pm and 1:40pm: Children's Story Time
You Matter by Christian Robinson
Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima
The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates

2:00pm: Opening Ceremony

After the opening ceremony, we walk!

Map

Start at the Rainbow Lake Pavilion for registration, then explore all of the activities and resources shown below.

Honor Beads

We wear honor beads at our Out of the Darkness Walks. Each color shows our personal connection to the cause and helps us identify others who understand our experience. 

Art Tent

Join AFSP volunteers in making art as we create a space for you to express yourself with creativity and color. 

Community Resource Fair

Be sure to stop by our community resource fair to learn more about Memphis area non-profits and the work they do in your community.

AFSP Store

Stop by the AFSP Store to purchase some swag and show the world you support suicide prevention.

Messages of Hope

Share a message of hope and healing on a banner that will be displayed at future events in the Memphis area.

Food Trucks

Arrive early and grab lunch at one of the on-site food trucks

Photo Booth

Stop by the photo booth area to take some photos with your team.