Everything you need to know

This page includes all the information you will need to participate in the Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk on Saturday,October 21, 2023 at Montrose Harbor in Chicago.   

Walk Date: 10/21/2023
Walk Location: Montrose Harbor - Chicago, IL
Event Begins: 9:00 am
Stage Program & Honor Bead Ceremony: 10:30 am
Walk Start Time: 11:00 am
Event Ends: 1:00 pm
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Registration Information

Online Registration

  • There is NO FEE to register.
  • Online registration closes at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, October 20, 2023.
  • Walk together!  Teams are welcome and encouraged.
  • When you register online, you will not need to check-in at the event, unless you have additional donations to turn in.

In-Person Registration

  • Onsite registration will open at 9:00am.
  • There is NO FEE to register.
  • We strongly encourage everyone to register online to help eliminate congregating and congestion at the registration tables.
  • There will be QR codes posted around the registration area that will redirect to the online registration page. Registration envelopes will also be available if needed.

In-Person Walk vs Virtual Walk

No matter how you participate on Saturday, October 21, 2023, remember that you are making a difference in the fight against suicide, and you are never alone.

In-Person at Montrose Harbor

Contact us below for customized partnership or corporate donation match opportunities.

  • Location:  Montrose Harbor, 601 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago, IL 60613

  • The route is 3 miles and starts and ends at the event site.chicagoland walk route

  • We encourage participants to create signs at home to carry along the route. Add messages and photos to honor loved ones, celebrate yourself, inspire hope, and raise awareness.  (Please use safe messaging and no profanity.) 

  • Masks are not required but are welcomed and encouraged for the health and safety of our participants, volunteers, and staff, we encourage everyone to wear a mask. If you forget a mask, they will be available on-site. Please remember, if you are not feeling well, stay home.

  • Text 312.802.9714 with any issues.

Virtual Website

For those unable to attend in-person, we will have a virtual hour-long program so you can walk in your own community and still interact online with fellow participants.  

This site will open at 8:00 am (CST) on Saturday, October 21, 2023.

  • Virtual site:  afsp.chicagowalk.org/program-2023 

    • Write messages on the virtual Why I Walk Wall, share photos on the virtual Memorial Wall, view the slideshow, shop the AFSP Store, and more.

  • Virtual participants that have raised $150 or more can receive their official walk t-shirt via mail.

    • Complete this form to have your t-shirt mailed to you to arrive within 2-3 weeks after the event.

  • Text 312.802.9714 with any issues.

Walk Location & Maps

Walk Location

  • The walk location is just east of Lakeshore Drive at Montrose Avenue and Simonds Drive.

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Public Transportation

  • #146 Bus route stops at Marine Drive and Montrose

  • CTA Brown line stops at Montrose Ave

  • Plan your trip at www.transitchicago.com

Directions to In-Person Walk Site

  • From the South and/or West: Take Lake Shore Drive north, exit at Montrose, Wilson or Foster. Follow along to Simonds Drive.

  • From the Northwest: Take I-90 east to Irving Park Ave. Go east to Lakeshore Drive. Go north on Lakeshore Drive and exit Montrose, Wilson or Foster. Follow along Simonds Drive.

  • From the North: Take I-94 south to Peterson. Exit Peterson and go east to Lake Shore Drive. Go south on Lake Shore Drive (Hwy 41). Exit at Foster, Wilson or Montrose. Follow to Simonds Drive.

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Parking

  • Free and paid street parking is available on Simonds Drive from Montrose Avenue north to Foster Avenue.

  • The Wilson Lot (left yellow star above) will be rented for the event and will be free on a first come, first serve basis.

  • PLEASE NOTE:
    The Montrose Lot     (right yellow star above) will be closed and not available for parking.

In-Person Activities & Tents

Mental Health Services Tent sponsored by Compass Health Center

This tent will be located on-site for any participants having a tough time and needing someone to speak with. Please note this is not meant to be a counseling or therapy session.

 

Education Outreach Tent

Free AFSP resources and small giveaways will be available at this tent.

 

Honor Beads

Honor Beads

Beads will be available on-site and you can choose your color(s) to show your personal connection and identify with others who understand your experience. 

 

Raffle Tent

Raffle tickets will be available for purchase. Stop by the Raffle Tent to check out the great items in the drawing. Winners must be present to win.
*Cash, check and credit card will be accepted on-site.

Why We Walk Wall

Leave a message or share a photo on the wall. If you want to share a photo, bring it with you and stop by the Why We Walk Tent for a push pin to place it on the wall. For messages, blank notecards and markers will be provided as well as push pins to place your note on the wall.
*Generously built and donated by John Burns Construction Company.

 

Blue & Red Ribbon Tent

If you are a Red or Blue Ribbon Walker, please visit the Red and Blue Ribbon Walker Tent to receive your ribbon and gift.

  • $500-$999 – Red Ribbon Walker
  • $1,000+ – Blue Ribbon Walker

 

T-Shirt Tent

If you raise at least $150 (including day-of donations), you will receive the official walk t-shirt, which can be picked up at the T-Shirt Tent. 

 

Donation Tent

Donations can be turned in and made at the Donation Tent on-site. Donations are 100% tax-deductible. Donations will be accepted through December 31, 2023.

 

AFSP Store Tent

Looking for AFSP merchandise? Visit the AFSP Store! Cash, check or credit card accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will there be water available?

Yes, water will be provided on-site.

Do I have to wear a mask?

Masks are not required but are welcomed and encouraged for the health and safety of all participants, volunteers, and staff, we encourage everyone to wear a mask. If you forget a mask, they will be available on-site. Additionally, sanitation stations will be around the site. 

Can I bring my dog?

Pets are NOT allowed at the walk (on-site or on the route). Service dogs covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act are permitted.

Can I use a skateboard or scooter on the walk?

Skateboards, scooters, wagons and bikes are prohibited for the safety of all walkers. Additionally, balloon and sky lantern releases are not allowed at the site or along the route. 

What if there is a medical emergency?

Two ambulances will be dispatched for the event and onsite in case of medical emergency.

What's your handles and hashtags so I can tag you on social?

@AFSPIL   @AFSPChicago   #OOTDCCW   #chicagowalk 

How can I help spread awareness for the Chicagoland Walk?

You can help spread awareness by ordering FREE official promotional materials including AFSP resources, walk yard signs, and more!  View options and place an online request -- COMING SOON!
Thank You to our generous 2023 Chicagoland Walk sponsors!

 

Change Maker Sponsors:

 

Prevention Sponsors:


Support Sponsors:

           

Hope Sponsors:

 
 

In-Kind Sponsors:

 

Media Partners:

                   
             
 
Thanks to our national sponsors
AFSP
If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.
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