About this Event
2026 Charleston SC Out of the Darkness Walk for Suicide Prevention
Go to to complete your free walk registration and join us at Gahagan Park for the annual Out of the Darkness Walk!
This is an annual walk for Charleston, South Carolina & surrounding area (Berkeley County, Charleston County, Dorchester County). The walk path is ~1 mile on a paved path surrounding the Gahagan Park area.
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.
This event is all about raising awareness and support for suicide prevention. Let's walk together to show our solidarity and spread hope. Whether you're walking in memory of a loved one or just want to show your support, all are welcome. Let's make a difference together!
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Event participation is free. Donations are appreciated.
Attendees arrive before the Walk program to allow time to visit sponsor and vendor tables and participate in activities (completing a tribute craft, signing the AFSP HOPE sign, Silent Auction, honor bead).
At 2:00 p.m. there is a program by AFSP - SC Director in which sponsors are acknowledged and a guest speaker shares their story.
Immediately following the program is the Walk.
Agenda\Timeline:
Noon: Sponsors and Vendors arrive to setup
12:30 P.M.: Silent Auction Bidding Open
1:00 P.M.: Check-in time is 1:00 p.m. Participants arrive to check-in, pick up t-shirt, and visit activity and sponsor tables to receive information and giveaways.
2:00 P.M.: The Walk program (recognition of Sponsors, guest speaker) starts at 2:00 p.m. followed by the Walk.
2:30 P.M. : Silent Auction Bidding Close
4:00 P.M.: The event completes between 3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
This year's event includes:
- Silent Auction with donations from over 25 local businesses
- Adoptable pets from Charleston Animal Society
- Survivor Speaker, Tessa Spencer
- Charlie from the Riverdogs
- Cool Ray from the SC Stingrays
- King of Pops with yummy pop flavors
- Kids Zone
- Tables with giveaways from local event sponsors & supporters
Agenda
🕑: 12:00 PM
Vendor Arrival\Setup
🕑: 12:30 PM
Silent Auction Bidding Open
Info: Silent auction - Items donated by local individuals and businesses are available for auction. 100% of the proceeds benefit the Walk.
🕑: 12:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Vendor and Sponsor Tables Open
Info: Event sponsors and supporters will have tables with resources and free giveaways for attendees.
🕑: 01:00 PM
Onsite Registration\T-shirt Pickup
Info: On-site registration is available for anyone not registered for the Walk. Walkers who raised $150 or more can pick up their Walk t-shirt.
🕑: 02:00 PM
Program Begins
Info: Short program to share information about Walk, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and a personal story.
🕑: 02:45 PM
Walk
Info: Walk on a paved path surrounding Gahagan Park field. Distance is approximately 1 mile.
🕑: 03:00 PM
Silent Auction Bidding Close
Info: Top bidders will be able to claim their winnings.
🕑: 04:00 PM
Event End
Event venue & nearby stays
Gahagan Park, 184 West Boundary Street, Summerville, United States
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