This article was published with contributions from the men of Alpha Phi/Alabama.
OCTOBER 6, 2015 - TUSCALOOSA, AL - This past Sunday, October 4th, the University of Alabama and the Tuscaloosa community participated in the 2nd annual "Out of the Darkness" Walk in support of Suicide Awareness. The brothers of Theta Chi walked in memory of Parker Jordan who passed away last fall. The philanthropic goal for the event was to raise $15,000 to benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), but after seeing the positive ripple effect that the event had last year, the various participating groups raised over $58,000.
Leading all organizations for the second year, Theta Chi raised nearly $17,000 alone. Over 1,400 people arrived at the Ferguson Student Center and listened to passionate stories of depression, and the triumph of conquering it, before heading out on a proud walk through the university quad. The money provided to AFSP will help to spread the knowledge to help those who struggle with depression, through support meetings, mental assistance, and events just like this one.
"Suicide Prevention is something that our chapter is very passionate about ever since we lost our brother Parker Jordan," remarked Chapter President Clayton Williams (Alpha Phi/Alabama 2016). "It is great to see the guys in our chapter, especially those who didn’t personally know Parker, participate and extend a Helping Hand to those who need it."
This is is the second year that the men of Alpha Phi/Alabama have participated in the Out of the Darkness walk. Click here to read about Alpha Phi's leadership in the wake of tragedy last fall.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is a leader in the fight against suicide. They fund research create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss. The Out of the Darkness walks have spread across the country, growing from 4,000 participants to over 200,000 in ten years. To read more about AFSP or the Out of the Darkness walks, click here.
