16th Annual Out of the Darkness Willmar Community Walk
Sunday, September 27, 2026
at Robbins Island Regional Park

Check-in/Silent Auction: 11:30 am
Guest Speaker: Toni Henke Plante at 1:00 pm
Balloon Release & Walk Begins: 2:00 pm

The Out of the Darkness Community Walk is a journey of remembrance, hope, and support. It unites our communities and provides an opportunity to acknowledge the ways in which suicide and mental health conditions have affected our lives and the lives of those we love and care about.

Walk Day Information:

Sign up today to make sure you receive important updates about the Walk from the local organizers.

The Walks are an opportunity to find a supportive community of people who get it, to know you’re not alone, and to make a difference together.

Walks are between 1 to 3 miles and non-competitive. The route and additional information specific to the Willmar Walk will be added closer to Walk day.

Our program includes an opening ceremony, activities of hope and healing, resource tables, and complimentary honor beads for every participant.
About Honor Beads

Why Walk?

Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States. To prevent suicide, we need to understand it first.

Funds raised at the Out of the Darkness Willmar Walk directly support research, advocacy efforts, and educational programs in schools, workplaces, and communities across MN.

Register today and you’re taking the first step to help save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. It’s free, quick, and easy to make a real impact.

Click Here to Register

I’m Registered. Now What?

Boost your impact with these quick steps:

• Personalize your fundraising page: add a photo and a short message about why you walk.
• Share regularly: post your page on social media using the hashtag #OutOfTheDarkness.
• Lead by example: make a small self-donation to inspire others to support you.
• Use DonorDrive on mobile or the app to text your page to friends and family.
• The app makes it easy to update your page, track donations, and message supporters.
• Build your community: create a team and invite others to join you.
• Use the messages feature in DonorDrive to email supporters and your team.

Conversation Starting Swag

Individually raise $150+ by 09/27/2026 and receive the official Out of the Darkness Walk shirt at the event.

Raise over $250 for research, programs, and advocacy, and you’ll earn an additional gift 6 weeks after Walk day.

Register Online Today!

Returning participant? Thank you for being a Walk Alumni! When you click the register button be sure to click the blue Login link under “Been Here Before?”

Having trouble registering?  Click here to watch a step-by-step guide. 

Remember, in addition to fundraising online, you will be able to turn in additional cash or check donations at the registration table the day of the Walk.

Sponsor

We’re inviting mission-driven companies to elevate our work and stand with a movement that’s changing the future of mental health.

Interested in sponsoring the Willmar Walk? Reach out to Doug Scheibel at dscheibel66@gmail.com today.

Click Here for 2026 Sponsorship Packet

Volunteer

We welcome both companies and individuals who are interested in volunteering on Walk day or joining a committee to reach out for information!

Reach out to Doug Scheibel at dscheibel66@gmail.com for information on volunteering.

Donations

Donations are accepted for the Willmar Walk through December 31, 2026 and can be handed in on Walk day or mailed with this form to AFSP, Attn: OOTD Walks, 199 Water Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10038.

Follow the #OutOfTheDarkness Walks on Facebook and X. Read more about how the Willmar Walk supports AFSP’s work here. Thank you so much to our walkers, volunteers, staff, donors, sponsors, and supporters!

If you’re looking for support and/or resources, please visit www.afsp.org/get-help and www.afsp.org/resources.

For more information, please contact:
Contact Name: Douglas Scheibel
Contact Phone: 320-295-6040
Contact Email: dscheibel66@gmail.com