On Sunday, October 27th, we hosted our biggest event of the year, the Long Island Out of the Darkness Walk at Jones Beach and an incredible day was had by all! Mother Nature was kind to us as the sun shined down on over 3,000 participants who gathered together to stand up for mental health and suicide awareness.
Similar to previous years, this year's walk featured a loss & healing tent where participants could take the time to reflect and honor those that they have lost. New this year was the addition of the luminaria tent, where participants could light a candle in honor of their loved ones. Wind phones were also added near the gathering area and along the walk route, giving participants the opportunity to express feelings, share memories, and talk to their loved ones and let the wind carry their words over the trees and into the beyond. The resource tent featured over 15 local businesses and organizations in the mental health and wellness field, providing participants with information about what's available in their local communities.
This year's walk has raised over $500,000 so far and we are so grateful to all of the teams and participants who fundraised to help us work towards our goal! From psychic nights to networking events, casino nights, and brewery days, the creativity reached new levels this year and we are so proud of everyone who fundraised! Fundraising isn't over yet and will continue through December 31st. We still have a little way to go to reach out $575,000 goal this year and we need your help to do it! Keep those fundraising efforts going through the end of the year and see below for some fun ideas for the month of November! |
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We offer several free programs for suicide prevention, suitable for your workplace, school, faith-based center, health group, and more. Please fill out our Program Request Form to bring one of these free programs to your community! |
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Beard Up for Mental Health!
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Join us in raising awareness for men's mental health in November by pledging to stop shaving to stop the stigma!
Here's how it works:
- Register as a member of the Beard Up for Mental Health Team using the button below.
- Make a pledge to stop shaving for the month of November and make a donation on your page to support that pledge.
- Share your progress with others and encourage them to support you by donating to your page! When others ask why you are growing a beard, use it as an opportunity to have a conversation about mental health and how important it is that we talk about it!
- Tag us on social media in your facial hair pics throughout the month of November!
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International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
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Each year, AFSP supports hundreds of large and small Survivor Day events around the world, in which suicide loss survivors come together to find connection, understanding and hope through their shared experience. Here on Long Island, we host an in-person luncheon on this day to gather together suicide loss survivors in our community for an afternoon of healing and connection. If you are a loss survivor, we encourage you to join us this year at the Marriott Melville Long Island on Saturday, November 23rd. Registration is free. Click the button below for more information and to register. |
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Fundraising Spotlight: Trooping for Tomorrow 5K Run/Walk for Suicide Prevention
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For his Eagle Scout Service Project, Alex Tafone of BSA Troop 539B is organizing a Fun Run/Walk to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. The 5K run/walk will take place at Kings Park High School on Saturday, November 9th. Registration is $20 in advance or $25 on the day of the event and all are welcome to join, regardless of fitness level or ability! Please help us support Alex complete his Eagle Scout Project while bringing awareness to this important cause! Donations are also welcome if you are unable to attend the event but still want to support. You can find more information on how to register and/or donate by clicking the button below. |
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Planning a fundraiser for your team and want it highlighted in our newsletter, social media, or posted on our upcoming events calendar? Let us know! Reach out to Katie, our Programs Manager, with more info about your event at kdeitz@afsp.org |
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For this month's volunteer spotlight, we'd like to shoutout our amazing volunteers that helped us make Sunday's Out of the Darkness Walk such a success! We had over 60 volunteers help out with the walk and we couldn't have done it without them! From set-up on Saturday, to greeting walkers, helping with registration, clean-up, and so much more, it takes many hands to run this event smoothly. We want to extend our most heartfelt THANK YOU to all the amazing volunteers that stepped up and helped out this weekend! |
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Want to get more involved with AFSP Long Island?
We have a wide variety of ways to get involved! Learn more about volunteering with us: |
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Questions about volunteering? Contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Katrina Zendrain, at afsplongisland@gmail.com. Ready to get involved? Fill out a volunteer application today to get started: |
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Click on each event image to learn more/register for event! |
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Trooping for Tomorrow 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, November 9th
Kings Park High School, Kings Park, NY
Registration begins: 7:45 am
Event time: 8:30 am
For his Eagle Scout Service Project, Alex Tafone of BSA Troop 539B is organizing a Fun Run/Walk to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. Registration: $20 per participant (Free for ages 5 and under). $25 Day-of event.
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International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
Saturday, November 23, 2024
Marriott Melville Long Island, Melville, NY
11:30 am - 3:00 pm
This event is open to all survivors of suicide loss (18+). We invite you to join us for an afternoon of healing and connection through shared experiences. Lunch will be provided. Free to attend.
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Want to stay up-to-date with AFSP LI? Follow us on social media! |
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