AFSP Walk Raises $174,000 for Suicide Prevention
Virginia advocates introduced a bill to add AFSP license plates, with $15 from each plate going to AFSP Virginia.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Philanthropy
The AFSP Virginia Chapter's 17th annual Out of the Darkness Walk, held Saturday, October 31, at Richmond's Byrd Park, raised more than $174,000 for suicide prevention initiatives. Advocates also introduced a bill to add AFSP license plates in Virginia, and pre-signups for the plates began Saturday.
Why it matters
The fundraising and proposed license plate program give Virginians a recurring way to support suicide prevention work in the state. The walk is intended to raise awareness, provide hope, and honor loved ones who have died by suicide.
The AFSP Virginia Chapter's Out of the Darkness Walk raised more than $174,000, and each AFSP license plate will direct $15 to AFSP Virginia. The extraction does not indicate the prior-year total or whether the proposed license plate bill has been enacted.
The players
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
AFSP is a national nonprofit that funds suicide prevention research, education, and advocacy programs across the United States.
Melissa Chase
Melissa Chase is a television host who served as emcee of the Out of the Darkness Walk.
The details
The 17th annual Out of the Darkness Walk took place at Richmond's Byrd Park, with Showcase host Melissa Chase serving as emcee. Advocates introduced a bill to add AFSP license plates in Virginia, and pre-signups for those plates began Saturday.
Timeline
Saturday, October 31, 2026: 17th annual Out of the Darkness Walk held at Richmond's Byrd Park.
Saturday, October 31, 2026: Pre-signups for AFSP license plates began.
Industry Dynamics
The 17th annual Out of the Darkness Walk continues AFSP's long-running chapter-level fundraising model, now extended into a proposed state license plate program. Pairing a recurring walk with a specialty plate gives the cause a second, ongoing revenue stream beyond one-day events.
Virginians who want to support suicide prevention can sign up for AFSP license plates, with $15 from each plate going to AFSP Virginia. Walk participation and donations are another way for residents to contribute to the chapter's fundraising.
The takeaway
Recurring tools like specialty license plates let supporters contribute to suicide prevention beyond a single event. Readers interested in the cause can look into walk participation or plate sign-ups through AFSP Virginia.
Further reading
Explore more Philanthropy coverage to see how charitable fundraising efforts like this one fit into the broader giving landscape.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 8News.
