Pittsburgh Business Show to Promote and Participate in the American Foundation for Suicide Preventions Pittsburgh Area Out of the Darkness Charity Walk

Pittsburgh, PA – The Pittsburgh Business Show, the area’s largest annual business trade show, is forming a team for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Pittsburgh Walk on August 26, 2017, at Highmark Stadium Station Square. The Walk is in its thirteenth year, and more than 2,000 walkers and participants are expected.

Suicide is the number 10 cause of death in the United States. AFSP is the leading national non-profit organization focusing on eliminating the loss of life from suicide by delivering prevention education and advocacy programs, raising funds for suicide research and programs, and supporting those individuals who have lost someone to suicide. Out of the Darkness Walks take place all over the United States and are the AFSP’s largest fundraiser, and they are instrumental in the AFSP’s efforts to reduce the annual suicide rate 20% by 2025.

Linda Jo Thornberg, President of the Pittsburgh Business Show, is championing the AFSP’s efforts to create city and business communities that value prioritizing mental health.

“The Pittsburgh Business Show supports a coalition of companies, business owners, entrepreneurs, professionals, and executives in the tri-state region. We know that suicide affects millions of Americans every year, and we are joining the efforts of the AFSP as they seek to sharply reduce the national suicide rate. Our goal is to raise $5,000 for this walk, and we invite all Pittsburgh businesses to join our team, donate to this cause, and walk with us on August 26, 2017,” she said.

Jennifer Sikora, the Associate Area Director for Western Pennsylvania’s chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, said, “We are so incredibly grateful and thankful to the Pittsburgh Business Show for helping us raise awareness and help reduce the stigma often associated with mental health challenges. Through efforts like theirs to champion a team at our Walk representing the area’s businesses, it sends a clear message that we collectively want to save lives, build healthier workplaces, and provide strong support in our communities.”

The walk will take place at the Highmark Stadium Station Square in Pittsburgh on August 26, 2017. Check-in and registration takes place at 9 a.m. The walk begins at 10:30 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m. This family-friendly walk includes pre-walk activities, kids’ crafts and music.

Any businesses or individuals who would like to join the Pittsburgh Business Show and their partners by participating at the walk can register online. Those who are not available to walk on August 26, but would like to support the Show team in reaching their $5,000 goal, are encouraged to make an online donation.

All donations are 100% tax deductible and benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, funding research, education, advocacy, and support for those affected by suicide.