Mt. Hope, WV (WOAY) The Beckley/Raleigh County “Out of the Darkness” Walk is hosting several events during this Hope Week, leading up to the Suicide Prevention Walk on Saturday, September 19th.
Throughout this week, patrons of local restaurants may receive their food from a local celebrity server.
On Monday, Beckley Mayor Ryan Neal and Councilwoman Natalie Coots will serve at Jack’s Cafe from 11 to 8.
Then Delegate Bill Roop will visit Wildcat Grill on Tuesday night.
Then on Friday, Mercer County Commissioner Greg Puckett will serve dinner at Dolly’s Diner, while Stephanie French does the same at the Grandview Diner.
All this leads up to next Saturday’s “Out of the Darkness” suicide prevention walk at Crossroads Mall. Walk chair Tim Ketterman says the cause has grown tremendously since they started last year.
“This is our second walk, and it’s just growing bigger and bigger. Last year was awesome. So we actually had 60 people pre-register; we had 90 people show up. And so we are already exceeding that this year. Community members are stepping up, saying, ‘we want to fight this cause,’ and are expanding our walk and our mission. And so we already had people saying, ‘Hey, we want to get involved next year, and we want to do this event next year…’ It’s just remarkable to see the outpouring of love and support that we’re getting.”
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States. All the funds raised for the “Out of the Darkness” walk support research, advocacy efforts, and educational programs across West Virginia. All their work is meant to further understanding and help people at their darkest times know that there is hope.
“People should know that they are not alone… Their story is not over. They are loved, and they need to be here… There is a community here that loves them, that wants them here… There is help here. The 988 number: text it, call it. If you’re in a crisis, they will help you. Come out, see us at one of our events, or come out on Saturday. We still need people to sign up to walk. We need volunteers too. That website is afsp.org/beckleywv. Sign up there and come see us!”
