The second annual Upper Valley Out of the Darkness Community Walk raised $12,486 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, including $6,602 raised in raffles and last-minute donations on Sunday, according to AFSP Area Director Rhoda Freeman, and $5,884 in online donations, according to the Out of the Darkness web site. The organization is two weeks behind on calculating the online donations, however, and will continue accepting donations through Dec. 31, Freeman said. Last year's walk raised $14,000, according to Active Minds president Taylor Dryman '09, who organized the walk last year.
The walk also served to raise awareness of suicide, the second leading cause of death among college students, according to Jude Chiy '10, who coordinated this year's event. (The leading cause is automobile accidents, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.)
Nell Beattie '09, president of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, where Cullinan was a member, and Marisa Taney '09, who played with Cullinan on the women's rugby team, honored their friend during the event's opening ceremonies.
"I know we're feeling her loss and I know we're here, in part, for her," Beattie said.
Freeman also gave a brief speech, reflecting on her personal grief after losing her son to suicide eight years ago.
"Suicide is such a waste of talented, lovely, creative individuals," she said. "We have to stop it. People just have to get help."
Survivors of suicide loss suffer differently from other mourners, Freeman said. She added that the walk provided those affected by suicide a medium to channel their grief and also offered the public a forum to discuss a touchy topic.
"I don't think people really understand an issue until they put their sweat and tears into it," Freeman said. "Unless you put your time and effort into a cause you don't really know what it's about."
Participants began the walk together on the Green, and continued up Rope Ferry Road, around Occom Pond and back through Webster Avenue.
"[The walk] connects those who have similar stories and creates a foundation for those who need it," Conrad Whitaker '11, an event volunteer and participant, said.
Local businesses, including Boloco, Stinson's Village Store, Bagel Basement, Everything But Anchovies, Dirt Cowboy and Riverview Farm donated breakfast refreshments for the event.
"Hopefully it'll give people energy to walk, and hopefully, when they hear about free food, they'll be inspired to get out and walk," Boloco store manager Phillip Damone said.
Freeman said the walk was a success and applauded the interest and involvement of students.
"It all just sort of snowballed," Freeman said. "There was so much help, but Dartmouth students did all the work."
Beattie also said she thought the event was a success, adding that it provided the sorority the opportunity to honor Cullinan as an organization.
"After hearing the news this summer, I don't think anyone knew how to react or how to move forward," Beattie said. "Being around a group of people who have suffered such a loss and have found ways to continue really gave us insight into what to do from here."
The Upper Valley event is one of 150 Out of the Darkness Walks sponsored by the AFSP this fall. The event was primarily sponsored by Active Minds, Kappa, Delta Delta Delta sorority and Kappa Kappa Kappa fraternity.
The AFSP will use the money raised for research, counseling for survivors of suicide loss and victims of mood disorders, educational programs and the promotion of legislation concerning suicide prevention, according to the Out of the Darkness web site.
