Wakefield Group Fights Suicide With Fundraising Events

A release from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:

For the 10th straight year, there will be two fundraisers in Wakefield to benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. On average, there are 129 suicides per day. Massachusetts has certainly seen its share of these numbers. Volunteers from Wakefield, the entire North Shore, and 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, Wakefield (Greenwood), on Thursday June 6th , from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Dockside provides charitable organizations like AFSP the opportunity to host “Dining for Dollars” events. People wanting to support AFSP simply need to announce to their server that they are there for the fundraising event and show the event on their phone. Supporters can dine at the Dockside or order takeout, or visit the bar. By
telling their server they are there for the event and presenting it on their phone, 25 percent of their check will be donated back to AFSP. For those who may not be phone savvy, they can ask for a coupon to give their server from one of the AFSP volunteers on hand.

Additionally, there are raffle items and a 50/50 (and you don’t need to be present to win!).

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is a voluntary health organization that gives those affected by suicide a nationwide community empowered by research, education and advocacy to take action against this leading cause of death. AFSP is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide.

AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health by engaging in the following
core strategies:

 Funding scientific research
 Educating the public about mental health and suicide prevention
 Advocating for public policies in mental health and suicide prevention
 Supporting survivors of suicide loss and those affected by suicide in our mission

The second and larger of the two fundraisers is “The 10th Annual Out of the Darkness” community walk.

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 for a real feeling of community. It is not only for the survivors but also for those who struggle even now. With over 1,400 participants, it lets folks know they are not alone.

The walk will take place at the Common on Lake Quannapowitt, on Saturday, September 28th, starting at 10 a.m. Participants can either walk the three miles around the lake or simply relax on the common and listen to the DJ. There are memorial activities and information and even an AFSP pop-up store available for participants to part take in.

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