‘Out of the Darkness’ Walk in Pasadena Marks a Decade of Hope and Healing

Pasadena’s Central Park will host the 10-year anniversary of the “Out of the Darkness Greater Los Angeles – Pasadena Walk” on Saturday, Nov. 4, organized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) with the aim of raising awareness and support for mental health and suicide prevention. 

The walk, covering approximately three miles, is open to families and individuals. Participants can register through the AFSP website and help  raise funds. Rewards, such as an official walk t-shirt, await those who raise $150 or more. 

The proceeds from this event contribute to AFSP’s critical research and support initiatives for those affected by suicide.

“When AFSP introduced a total of 12 Out of the Darkness Walks across the country 20 years ago, we weren’t sure how many people would attend,” said Kelly Manning, Special Events Manager of the AFSP Greater Los Angeles and Central Coast Chapter. “Today, AFSP now offers 412 ‘Out of the Darkness’ Fall Community Walks across the country, with over 1.4 million attending.” 

The event, which has for 10 years been held annually on the first Saturday of November at Central Park, will feature a mix of speakers, entertainment, and remembrance activities, fostering a profound sense of hope and unity.

Manning said the event will have DJ Nash, creator and executive producer of “A Million Little Things” as Emcee. Two mental health advocates will also speak about their individual stories of struggle and loss. 

Musical guests include singer/songwriters Dyson and X.Ari, who’s performing “Don’t Choose Heaven” during the opening and “As You Are” during the closing ceremony. 

Grammy nominated DJ/music producer The Crystal Method will DJ the walk, Manning said. 

Funds raised during the event support AFSP’s mission, particularly in education, survivor support programs, and advocacy for 988 sustainability. The funds also bolster research initiatives aimed at improving suicide prevention strategies. 

“Our event is free to participate yet we encourage individuals to fundraise and sponsor in support of our mission,” Manning said. “Volunteers are always needed to support the success of the event and are welcome to assist with a variety of Walk Day roles that will still offer them the opportunity to join the experience as a walker. Fundraising allows participants to share their story and bring awareness to the cause.” 

The AFSP also encourages members of the community to engage with the foundation throughout the year, whether through awareness events, state and federal advocacy, community outreach, or prevention education. 

Over the past decade, the AFSP Pasadena Out of the Darkness Walk has received support from various individuals and organizations. Manning said Las Encinas, USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, Anthem Blue Cross, Colourpop, Blue California, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, Supervisor Kathyrn Barger’s 5th district, and Senator Anthony Portantino have been among the notable contributors.

Looking ahead, AFSP plans to continue growing and evolving the ‘Out of the Darkness’ Walk in Pasadena. 

“We also hope to bring together more individuals in need of resources,” Manning said. “Our ongoing Out of the Darkness Walk engagement and collaboration with Corporate business throughout the San Gabriel Valley is providing us with greater outreach to share Community awareness, while also providing us opportunities to share Mental Health support and education programming for their internal staff.” 

To register or donate, visit https://supporting.afsp.org/index.cfm?eventID=8983&fuseaction=donorDrive.event. 

For more information, visit https://www.afsp.org/pasadena, email AFSP Events Manager Kelly Manning at kmanning@afsp.org or call (626) 658-0560.