Everything you need to know

This page includes all the information you will need to participate in the Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk.   

Walk Date:                    09/14/2024
Walk Location:             Montrose Harbor - Chicago
Event Begins:               9:00 AM
Opening Ceremony:   10:30 AM -- Musical performance and speakers
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, Sept. 13, 2024.
  • 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 & Virtual Experience

No matter how you participate on Saturday, September 14, 2024, remember that you are making a difference in the fight against suicide, and you are never alone.

In-Person at Montrose Harbor

  • 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.

Virtual Experience

For those unable to attend in-person, we will have a virtual experience so you can walk in your own community.  

This site will open at 8:00 am (CST) on Saturday, September 14, 2024.

t-shirt

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

Walk Location & Maps

Walk Location

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

ChiWalk Walk Route

 

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.

Parking

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

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

  • Paid parking available at the Wilson Lot.

In-Person Activities & Tents

Mental Health Services Tent 

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. 

 

 

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 to place it 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, 2024.

 

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?

An ambulance 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   #OOTDChicagolandWalk  #ChicagolandWalk 

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!  Click here to place an online request.

How can I sign up to be a volunteer?

Please complete this Chicagoland Walk Volunteer Registration.
Thank you to our generous 2024 Chicagoland Walk sponsors!

 

Champion Sponsor:
ComEd


Hope Sponsors:

              
         



Support Sponsor: 



Advocate Sponsors:
              



Prevention Sponsors:
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Media Partners:
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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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