Fight Suicide At Chatham's Annual 'Out Of The Darkness' Walk

CHATHAM, NJ — In continuing efforts to raise awareness of suicide prevention, Chatham Township is hosting its 8th annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk.

The walk is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9, with registration beginning at 4 p.m. Proceeds will assist the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). The event, which has drawn hundreds of participants from Morris, Essex, Union, and Somerset counties, will be held at Cougar Field in Chatham Township, 320 Shunpike Road.

"Today, suicide touches one in five American families. On average, there are 132 suicides a day and in New Jersey, it is the third leading cause of death among youth between 10 and 24," said Curt Ritter, former Chatham Township Mayor and Chair of the Morris County Out of the Darkness Walk.

The Chatham Township Out of the Darkness Walk is one of more than 404 Out of the Darkness Community Walks being held nationwide this year.

Individuals from Morris, Essex, and Union counties are expected to take part in the Chatham Township Walk, which will benefit the AFSP's local and national education and advocacy programs as well as its audacious goal of reducing the annual suicide rate by 20 percent by 2025.

“Suicide does not discriminate, and we can all take an active role in bringing greater awareness to this important topic. One way to get involved is by participating in our 8th Annual Out of the Darkness Walk, which has raised nearly $600,000 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This Walk has raised much-needed funds, but equally important, it has created conversations and helped to remove the stigma around mental illness," Ritter said.

According to the organization, the Out of the Darkness Walks started in 2004, in memory of those lost. The walks raise awareness about suicide, with the intention to lessen the risks and provide mental health support to those who need it.

The organization states the walks benefit by investing "in life-saving research, education, advocacy and support for those impacted by suicide."

"I want to thank our volunteers, the many walkers who have already registered, and our sponsors who have helped make this year’s Walk one of the largest and most successful in New Jersey," Ritter said.

2023 Chatham Township Out of the Darkness Walk Sponsors:

Gold Sponsors:

• Chatham Township Volunteer Fire Department
• Green Village Volunteer Fire Department
• Paul Miller Auto Group
• Soltex

Silver Sponsors:

• Barth’s Market
• Begum Palace Indian Cuisine
• Chatham Borough PBA Local 226
• Central Dental Care
• Creekside Farm
• Daddy Matty’s BBQ
• Madison YMCA
• Maplecrest Ford of Mendham
• Mexican Spice
• Scoops
• Viking Pest
• Weichert Realtors

Bronze Sponsors:

• Chatham Township PBA 170
• Green Village Packing
• Madison Auto Body
• Madison Nautilus Diner
• AJR Cobblers-Red Wing Shoes
• Morristown PBA Local 43
• Sotheby’s International Realty

Individuals and local businesses that have an interest in sponsoring the Chatham Township Out of the Darkness Community Walk can learn more at the website.

Participants can register as individuals or as a team by visiting the website.