Thanks to everyone who took part in walk

To the editor:
    Last Saturday, September 22, Houlton hosted the “Out of the Darkness” Community Walk to benefit suicide prevention. As a program of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the walk was one of over 100 community walks taking place across the country. As local coordinator, I’m so proud to report that our walk raised more than $8,500; money that will be used for research, education and prevention programs designed to reduce the loss of life from suicide, as well as provide support for survivors.     Suicide takes an enormous toll on family, friends, co-workers, and the entire community. With more than 30,000 lives lost, and close to one million suicide attempts every year in this country, the importance of AFSP’s mission has never been greater, nor the work more urgent. The impact here in our area will be the development of a survivor’s group, increased educational efforts through the distribution of current literature, the presentation of programs designed to increase awareness, and the promotion on how to connect with important resources available.
    Many, many thanks go out to the literally hundreds of folks involved in the tremendous success of our event. We received donations from as far away as Amarillo, Texas, Oklahoma City, and Culver City, California! Were you a sponsor, a donor, a volunteer, or a walker? Kudos to you for a job well done! Did you contribute a prize, drinks, a service or money? Our appreciation is heartfelt! Were you a participant in organizing and publicizing the event? Merci!
    It would be a daunting task for me to personally thank you all, but my hope is that you know who you are, and that you understand my gratitude for your support, both moral and financial. Thank you all again for your part in raising funds and awareness for suicide prevention — you truly are angels.
Paula Gendron
Houlton