Walk to benefit suicide prevention

CLOVIS — The Out of the Darkness Walk scheduled Saturday in Clovis will attempt to bring some light to the lives of people affected by suicide.

The event, which begins at the Clovis Aquatic Center, is an offshoot of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) community walks, which according to the organization’s website, draw 250,000 people from the 400-plus communities across all 50 states where the walks are held

Clovis Chairman Janette Chavarria said she has lost multiple family members to suicide so she reached out to the AFSP last September to try to bring one of the organization’s walks to Clovis.

“I hope and I pray that a lot of people come out just because of the fact that it’s a big deal,” Chavarria said. “It hits almost everybody. It’s happening now more then ever and I believe it’s happening now more for children and teens.”

The 5K walk is set to take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with registration starting at 8 a.m. As walkers make their way around the Hillcrest Park walking trail, Chavarria said there will be signs posted telling people how far they’ve walked.

The walk is free to attend, though donations will be accepted. The event’s website showed $4,013 of the $5,000 goal had been raised as of Thursday afternoon.

Chavarria said all of that money will stay local, with funds going to help pay for counselors and future walks. She said counselors will also be at the event on Saturday.