Jim Moore / September 28, 2026
Community members from across the Finger Lakes region will gather at Keuka Lake State Park on Sunday, October 4, 2026, for the annual Out of the Darkness Keuka Lake Walk, an event dedicated to raising awareness, supporting suicide prevention, and bringing hope to those affected by mental health struggles.
Organized through the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the non-competitive 1-to-3-mile walk raises funds that directly support research, educational programming, advocacy efforts, and community support networks across New York State. The day’s events will feature an opening ceremony, remembrance activities, community resource tables, and complimentary honor beads for participants to wear in memory or support of loved ones.
Important details, schedule, and participation guidelines for the event include:
- Location & Date: The walk will take place on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Keuka Lake State Park, located in Keuka Park, NY. Participants entering the park should inform the booth attendant they are attending the Out of the Darkness Walk to waive standard park admission fees.
- Event Schedule: On-site check-in and registration begin at 11:00 a.m., with the official walk and opening ceremony starting at 1:00 p.m. EDT.
- Registration & Cost: Registration is completely free and open to the public online or on the day of the event.
- Fundraising Rewards: Individual participants who raise $150 or more by October 4 will receive the official Out of the Darkness Walk T-shirt at the event. Participants who raise over $250 earn an additional recognition gift.
- Sponsorship & Volunteering: Local businesses and volunteers looking to sponsor the event or assist on walk day can contact event coordinator Denise Slocum at
gcs3318@yahoo.comor by phone at 314-694-1216.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available 24/7. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or text TALK to 741741 to connect with the Crisis Text Line.
To learn more please visit: https://afspwalks.donordrive.com/KeukaLake
