Out of the Darkness Walk Aims to Raise $25K This Year

By Talbert Toole
Lifestyles Editor
talbert.toole@hotty.toddy.com

The Out of Darkness Walk—a fundraiser for suicide prevention—aims to raise $25K this year at its third event, which is slated to take place on Oct. 28 from 1-3 p.m. in the Grove.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the Out of the Darkness Walk had 192 registered participants and 26 teams. Photo courtesy of Julia Plauche.

Check-in starts at 1 p.m. followed by a balloon release, T-shirts for purchase and a memory wall where attendees can hang pictures of loved ones who lost the battle against suicide, according to Julia Plauche, Ole Miss junior and chairwoman of the event.

Prior to the walk, which starts at 2 p.m., Michael Zibilich, who lost his son to suicide, will speak about his son, the importance of mental health and how to help those who are struggling with mental illness and suicidal thoughts, Plauche said.

“Mental health and specifically suicide have become such a taboo,” she said.

The walk is aimed to help conversation regarding mental health, and specifically suicide, move along while making people feel more comfortable talking about it, she said.

“If suicide wasn’t so taboo, it’s possible that it wouldn’t occur as often,” Plauche said.

The fundraiser’s goal is $25K; however, the event has already raised close to $10K, Plauche said.

This cause is extremely prevalent in today’s society, especially on college campuses, Plauche said. “For instance, 1 in 12 U.S. college students makes a suicide plan.”

As of Wednesday afternoon, The Out of Darkness Walk has 192 registered participants and 26 teams, according to Plauche.

For those interested in participating or donating in this year’s walk can register through the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.