SWCC - Southwestern Community College
04/27/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/27/2026 13:59
Southwestern's gym provides wonderful backdrop for Out of the Darkness walk
Southwestern Community College's (SWCC's) first-ever Out of the Darkness Walk, held at 5:30 p.m. in the Student Center gymnasium, in cooperation with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention-Iowa (AFSP-Iowa), raised $7,819.64! Originally planned as an outdoor event, the event was quickly moved indoors due to the weather forecast, and the 126 individuals who registered continued their mission to raise funds for the AFSP.
The evening kicked off with activity tables featuring a caricature artist, honor beads, a Wall of Hope & Remembrance, temporary tattoos, healing bracelet-making, and more. Prior to the walk, Amanda Montanye of Creston told her amazing and touching story of resilience, endurance, and survival against the perils of mental health.
All donations support the AFSP. The AFSP uses donations to:
- Fund Research for Suicide Prevention
- Create and Distribute Education Programs
- Advocate for Public Policy
- Support Survivors of Suicide Loss
Due to the support of generous donors, the AFSP is able to create a culture that is smarter about mental health.
Due to the event's success at SWCC, the Out of the Darkness Walk will become an annual event during SWCC's Pay it Forward Week.
2026 AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk photos on Facebook
Above: Guest speaker Amanda Montanye and her team at the AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk.
Above: The Spartan gymnasium was transformed for the Out of the Darkness Walk.
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