The greater Houston area Out of the Darkness Walk in The Woodlands took place November 7th, 2015 at Town Green Park raising over $119K.

Between all four surrounding walks including College Station, Beaumont, Fort Bend and The Woodlands $228,632 was raised. On a rainy morning people congregated to register and prepare themselves for the walk around the waterway to honor and remember their lost loved ones.

Although the weather was less than desirable, people were determined to show their support. The event coordinator WyKisha McKinney spurred of the event with opening statements and introduced the Mistress of Ceremonies Esmeralda Friedman – Miss Conroe Texas. Ms. Friedman began with her story of how she was affected and stated the importance of shedding light on the people who seem to be in the darkest of places.

Claire Idell was next up to speak introducing herself as the Texas Area Director at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – North Texas Chapter. Claire explained the history of the walks and about other parts of the country where Out of the Darkness Walks take place.

The crowd watched intently as the microphone was passed to Bill Berger, who represented the Title Sponsor from B-Geosciences. Bill took the time to speak about the headquarters of this Out of the Darkness chapter board meeting location, which happened to be at B-Geosciences offices. He took some time explaining the company’s background and field of expertise. Also mentioning other charitable causes that his company is involved with by sponsorship.

Last but not least The New 93Q Kevin Kline host of “The Q Morning Zoo” took the stage and WOW! His brutally honest story about his struggle with suicide was a heart wrencher.

He spoke about his father and how he lost him to suicide after a rocky relationship they had shared. Moving to a more saddening personal issue with a bipolar diagnosis and how he had dealt with problems of his own contemplation of suicide.

The walk began with some stretching and warm-ups to get everyone ready. Shortly after the crowd started pouring out on the waterway sidewalk. The spirits were high as people began walking through a light drizzle of rain. That rain began to come down harder the more hardcore walkers muscled through as people with children started to find shelter.

Don’t forget you can still donate to Out of the Darkness until December 31st HERE!!

The night before the Out of the Darkness Walk there was a kickoff event at Crush Wine Lounge for sponsors and top teams who raised large sums of money for the cause. See the pictures below.