Archive: Opinions

The September 20th Out of the Darkness walk scheduled as on the heels of the National Suicide Awareness Week, and hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), was a successful event , which attracted 373 walkers and raised over $19,000.

When I decided  to participate in the event ,  I went to the AFSP website to register and the more I read, the more I began to wonder how our local Suicide Prevention and Crisis Service (SPCS) would benefit this fundraising event.  Since I was not directed to make out my check to our Center, I wanted to know specifically how much of the money raised makes its way to us.

The answer is simple, as I have learned.  The Suicide Prevention Crisis Service  is not a member of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.  None of the money raised from the AFSP event comes back to us directly, even though the event  is held here, and participants are from our area. (Note of interest: donations to SPCS are always down following the national fundraiser, because people think they did already donate to the local service organization.)

A substantial part of the money raised in the Out of Darkness Walk goes to research and awareness programs.  No one can deny the importance of that use of the funds.

However, participants who want their money to have a day-to-day, direct impact on the lives of  people in our area might consider events sponsored by our local Center.  The money raised at at locally-sponsored events is used to help people who are thinking of suicide or who, because of stress and/or depression, are unable to function well.  The money also goes to help families who have been impacted by a suicide.

I believe that people who participated in the fundraising walk need to know that our SPCS does not directly benefit financially.  The trickle-down effect of the national education programs indirectly benefits us, but SPCS needs funds for people working in our area “in the trenches” making daily contact with those who are in need of emotional support.

It would be wonderful indeed if we could shift our energies to support local fundraising for the SPCS; what a windfall it would be for the SPCS Center to receive anywhere near $19,000!

It can be done.  Just being aware of the difference between national and local fundraising is a start.  Support of local fundraising is the next step, a critical one for sure.

Sincerely,

Jill Vaughan
Lansing, NY
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