You are not alone: Out of the Darkness walk raises $21,000

It was a beautiful end-of-summer day in Carrington City Park on Sunday, as the community walked to prevent suicide.

Carrington's 2nd Annual Out of the Darkness Walk was well attended. Hosted by Carrington Area Healthy Communities Coalition, with support from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, a crowd gathered to remember those lost to suicide, offer support for those who struggle, and to bring hope to the community. The message is that suicide can be preventable, and no one is alone in the fight.

A total of 14 teams and 124 people registered for the event. Including children and other supporters who walked, an estimated 150 people participated.

The opening ceremony brought together all attendees, as they raised their colored beads in memory of relatives and friends lost to suicide, in honor of loved ones who have survived and in support of those who struggle.

The winner of the quilt raffle was Lori Partlow.

Kaylin Pate and her team, Sylvie's Squad, had the honor of leading the walk. Kaylin was the top individual fundraiser this year, with $1,015 raised. Her team brought in a total of $1,765.

Team Matthew raised $1,075, good enough for second place. Team Mary ($580), Step into Hope ($430) and Calvary Baptist Church ($326.36) rounded out the top five teams.

Event co-chair Amber Kruse said Monday that the Carrington walk has raised just over $21,000 so far this year. In addition to the fundraising efforts by registered walkers before the event, they raised funds from the quilt raffle, meal, registration donations, merchandise sales and other free will donations.

Kruse added that individuals and teams can continue to raise funds until December 31, and those dollars will still count toward this year's walk total. Businesses can also still donate if they so choose.

The funds raised are used for mental health awareness and suicide prevention efforts throughout the Carrington area.