Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention and Awareness Walk Hailed as a Success

(KNSI) — This year’s Out of the Darkness Walk in St. Cloud is being hailed as a success by organizer Deni Jo Ballanger.

She says it is only in its second year locally, but the reception to the event has been incredibly positive. She talked to KNSI News about the scene on Saturday at Lake George.

“It was a wonderful event, beautiful day. We had a turnout probably around 125 to 150 people, lots of activities for everyone to do. We had a short program. Then everyone went off to the walk. Lot of great feedback. The participants were very thankful to have the walk there again.”

Donations will be taken until the end of the year. Ballanger says they are at over $20,000, with more to be officially tallied. A link to help is here.

The walk supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Ballanger says the cause is one she is passionate about and personally connected to. “We are loss survivors. We had a suicide in our family 10 years ago. Our family has been walking in the Twin Cities walk for 10 years and the opportunity came up to chair the St. Cloud walk, and that’s how I got involved.”

Ballanger says it is a powerful, healing feeling to realize you are not alone after a loved one dies by suicide. Ballanger plans to continue chairing the local walk and hopes to grow it each year.

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