The 270 Chronicles tells stories within Bowling Green’s 270 area code, 270 words at a time. Inspired by IndyStar’s 317 Project, the 270 Chronicles features niche events, organizations and people that make up our local community.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Bowling Green chapter hosted its annual Out of the Darkness Walk on Sept. 8 at the Bowling Green Hot Rods Stadium. The event featured a symbolic mile-long walk around and through the stadium. The participants formed teams, each dedicated to raising funds to support the work of the foundation.
Katelyn Simpson, the chair for the walk, has led the event for 13 years. However, she said this is the first year the walk has been held at the Hot Rods stadium. The Out of the Darkness walk partnered with several local businesses, including Cheetah Clean Auto Wash, Texas Roadhouse, Logan Aluminum, and ELPO Law, each contributing to the event’s success.
Proceeds from the event go toward “funding scientific research, educating the public about mental health and suicide prevention, advocacy for public policies, and supporting survivors of suicide loss,” according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention‘s website. With 375 people pre-registered, approximately 50 walk-ups and more than 41 fundraising teams, this year’s walk raised $14,266.00, just shy of the $15,000 goal.
A key part of the event was the giving and wearing of multiple colored beads, each signifying a different experience, such as losing a family member, friend, loved one or dealing with personal struggles. Participants visually wore the beads that applied to them, helping them connect with others who shared similar experiences.
“We come together, and it’s not just the walk and the money,” said Chris Booker, who has attended the walk since 2016. “Obviously that’s what we’re here for, but it’s building a community; no one here is alone.”
