Dine to raise $ for Suicide Awareness

Wakefield& & Surrounding Area Suicide Prevention Fundraisers

For the 3^rd straight year, there will be two fundraisers in Wakefield to benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). 

In the United States, a person dies by suicide every 14.2 minutes.  It is estimated that an attempt is made every minute.  Suicide claims more than 36,000 lives with close to one million people attempting suicide annually in our country.  Massachusetts has certainly seen its share of these numbers. 

Volunteers from Wakefield, the entire North Shore, and the Merrimack Valley have come together to raise awareness about this public health issue that does not discriminate by age, gender, ethnicity, or socio-economic status.  Suicide is a national health problem that takes an enormous toll on family, friends, co-workers, and the entire community. 

The first event will be held at the Dockside Restaurant, 1099 Main Street, Greenwood, on Thursday June 7^th, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. 

The Dockside provides charitable organizations like the AFSP with “Dine for Dollars” tickets.  The organization distributes them to supporters.  When supporters dine at the Dockside or order takeout and present the group’s ticket, 25% of their check will be donated back to the organization.  Tickets will be available from now until the event at most of Wakefield’s convenient stores.  You may also email wakefieldwalk@gmail.com and request one.

The AFSP is the leading national not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education, and advocacy and to reaching out to those with mental disorders and those impacted by suicide.

The second and larger of the two fundraisers is an “Out of the Darkness” community walk.  The walk will take place at the Common on Lake Quannapowitt, on Saturday, September 22^nd, starting at 10 am.  Participants can either walk the three miles around the lake or simply relax on the common and listen to the DJ.

The community walk is the AFSP’s signature fundraising event.  Although fundraising is suggested, there is no registration fee and no minimum fundraising required.  This event offers a few hours to share, to remember, and to heal.  It provides a genuine feeling of community and connection for the survivors of suicide loss. 

This year we are also excited to announce that, through the dedicated service of volunteers, the Boston Chapter of the AFSP is now able to offer three walk locations for folks living in Eastern Massachusetts.  Besides the Wakefield and Boston walks, this year there will be an additional walk taking place on the South Shore.  With three Massachusetts Walk locations available, more suicide loss survivors are able to participate and connect with others.

For more information on this event go to www.outofthedarkness.org or email wakefieldwalk@gmail.com.