One Month Later – A Look Back At This Year’s Out of the Darkness

Back in September, I had the opportunity to attend (and emcee) the 'Out of the Darkness'  Walk at Fawick Park in downtown Sioux Falls. It was truly an honor to be a part of this wonderful event, which has brought so much hope to those affected by suicide.

The walk also serves as a space for people to remember their loved ones who have been lost to suicide, whether it was in the past year, or 30 years. At this year's walk, family and friends shared stories, showed support to their fellow community members, and raised money for suicide prevention.

This year's walk in Sioux Falls saw nearly 1,000 people in attendance, and the South Dakota Chapter for AFSP has raised a little over $50,000 for suicide prevention.

With the walk now behind us, I had the opportunity to catch up with this year's Chairperson, Fabre Sullivan, who spoke to me about what her first year as the lead of this event was like and what she's looking forward to in the future.

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Below is a list of some of the vendors and exhibitors at this year's walk.

(Above) Myself and Fabre Sullivan standing with Chief Deputy Thomas Brown's squad car.

(Above) Janet Harvey and the gang at the AFSP Table.

(Above) Be Smart - (Below) Veterans Crisis Line

(Above) Brandy's Custom Cakery (Below) Dunn Bros. Coffee

(Above) Emily's Hope (Below) Hope & Healing Counseling Sioux Falls

(Above) Tasty Treats (Below) Put It In Your Mouth

(Above) Honor Beads (Below) AFSP Table

(Above) Nami of South Dakota (Below) Helpline Center of Sioux Falls

(Above) MWI Health of Sioux Falls (Below) SEPRC/Volunteers of the Dakotas

(Above) Lost & Found of Sioux Falls (Below) Let Me Be Frank

(Above) Shirley Stripped/Serious Shirley

(Above Photos) Misfits Grappling Club of Sioux Falls

(Left) Fabre & Her Sister, Brigette (Right) Fabre Sullivan & Family

*Special thanks to Cari Jansen for her photography throughout the event.

If you are in crisis or have a loved one who is, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.

Story Sources: American Foundation For Suicide Prevention Website