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1st Annual Walk for Suicide Prevention Awareness

SATURDAY - SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

ABOUT THE EVENT

The Hunter J. Nordlof BE KIND Foundation is hosting the first annual “Hope Lights the Night Walk” for Suicide Prevention on the evening of Saturday, September 21st. The purpose of this event is to raise awareness and offer support to the family and friends of loved ones lost to suicide as well as those who are currently battling mental illness. As a part of this event, we will be creating lighted “Tunnels of Hope” along the main walking path at Timber Mill Park in Baudette. Each tunnel will symbolize a path toward healing, recovery, and the bright future that lies ahead despite the darkness of suicidal thoughts and mental health struggles. The lights signify hope, remembrance of loved ones, and the collective commitment to prevent further loss and provide support for those in need. The park will be an illuminated trail lined with messages of encouragement and love to inspire faith and resilience. Our foundation is inviting all residents of our local and surrounding communities to come together and break the stigma around suicide, depression, and mental illness.

Why This Cause Matters: Suicide is a devastating reality that affects individuals and families across all demographics. Every year, millions are impacted by the loss of loved ones and countless others suffer in silence. “Hope Lights the Night Walk” is dedicated to preventing these tragedies through awareness, education, and support. It is more than just a walk; it is a symbol of our collective strength, a reminder that together we can create change and strive for a future where suicide is no longer a leading cause of death.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

  • Same-Day Registration
    6:00-7:30 pm
  • Opening Ceremony
    7:30-8:00 pm
  • Walk
    8:00-9:00 pm
  • Closing Ceremony
    9:00-9:30 pm

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Tim, Jennifer & Alayna Nordlof

Tunnel of Hope & Gold Sponsorship
In Memory of
Hunter Nordlof

Chris/Amanda Neufeld; Kale & Shayla Risser

Tunnel of Hope
In Memory of all those lost to suicide

Jane Worden Cauble

Tunnel of Hope
In Memory of
Jacob Osborn

The Mehmel-Birchem Family

Tunnel of Hope
In Memory of
Joshua Birchem

Jeff & Joni Baade

Bronze Sponsorship

John Hoscheid

Tunnel of Hope

The Major Family

Tunnel of Hope
In Memory of
Elijah Major

L.O.W. Suicide Awareness & Prevention Committee

Tunnel of Hope
In Honor of Those Affected by Suicide

Ruby's Pantry

Tunnel of Hope

The Carston Family

Tunnel of Hope
In Memory of
Cherie Strohl (Carston)

The Wendler Family & Family & Friends of Stanley T. Anderson

Tunnel of Hope
In Memory of
Stanley “Ted” Anderson

The Peterson Family

Tunnel of Hope
In Memory of
Willie

Leah Larson & Family

Bronze Sponsorship

Doug & Cindy Mulville

Bronze Sponsorship
In Memory of Andrew Mulville

Cindy Kroeger

Bronze Sponsorship
In Memory of
Elijah Major

Cindy Kroeger

Bronze Sponsorship
In Memory of
Jacob Chandler

Custom Auto Body

Gold Sponsorship
In Memory of
Elijah Major

Jane Wilder & Steve Nelson

Tunnel of Hope
In Memory of
Hunter Nordlof & Jordan Berg

218 Tavern

Tunnel of Hope
In Memory of
Hunter Nordlof & Tanner Mollberg

Baudette Lutheran Parish

Tunnel of Hope
In honor of those impacted by suicide.

Cornerstone Assembly Church

Tunnel of Hope
In Memory of Elijah Major

True North Construction (Rich Humeniuk & Family)

Gold Sponsorship

Hometown Hardware Hank

Silver Sponsorship

New Moon Coffeehouse & Eatery

Bronze Sponsorship

J & L Tax Service

Bronze Sponsorship

K-Salon

Tunnel of Hope & Silver Sponsorship
In Memory of Andy Klots

Northland Counseling Center

Tunnel of Hope & Gold Sponsorship

Border Bank

Tunnel of Hope & Gold Sponsorship

Ballard's Resort

Gold Sponsorship

Baudette American Legion Club & Gambling

Gold Sponsorship

CHI Lakewood

Silver Sponsorship

Greater Insurance Service

Silver Sponsorship

Cyrus Resort & the Family of Wade Peterson

Tunnel of Hope & Gold Sponsorship
In Memory of Wade Peterson

Bugsys on Bostic

Tunnel of Hope

Caliber Plumbing

Gold Sponsorship
In Memory of Elijah Major

The Schnellman Family

Gold Sponsorship
In honor of ALL that have been lost & to ALL who have lost

Reed Realty

Silver Sponsorship

Erickson Timber Products, Inc.

Silver Sponsorship

Track Support Services, Inc.

Silver Sponsorship

Riverwood Bank

Bronze Sponsorship

Alice's Family Restaurant

Bronze Sponsorship

Bob & Stephanie Robers & Laila

Bronze Sponsorship

Olson Construction

Tunnel of Hope & Gold Sponsorship

SandPieper Design

Silver Sponsorship

Larry & Sharon Larson Charitable Foundation

Gold Sponsorship
In honor of Hunter Nordlof

Alex, Marsha & Josh Beckel

Bronze Sponsorship
In honor of Elijah

Borderview Lodge

Gold Sponsorship

Nancy Peterson

Bronze Sponsorship
In memory of Wade Peterson

The Pelland Family

Bronze Sponsorship
In memory of Tanner, Hunter, Josh, Jacob & Elijah

Susie Neist

Bronze Sponsorship
In memory of John Dilling

Suzie O'Connell & Family

Gold Sponsorship

Cassie Ravndalen

Bronze Sponsorship
In memory of Chelsea Jensen

DONATE

This is an opportunity for the community to come together and make a difference. Every donation, every step, every shared story brings us closer to a world where hope lights the way.

SPONSORSHIP

Hope Lights the Night Walk sponsorship opportunities are available to be a part of this event. Help us to bring light to the darkness for those struggling with mental health.

VOLUNTEER

It is not just about giving your time; it’s about making a profound impact in the lives of those who need it most.

EVENT FAQ's

How do I sign up?
Answer: We are offering three options for registration:
1. Online Registration at this link. Fill out the online registration form and pay the $35 fee at checkout.
2. Download and fill out the PDF registration version and mail with a $35 check made payable to “Hunter J. Nordlof BE KIND Foundation.
3. Register on-site the day of the walk from 6:00 pm until 7:30 pm. *Online pre-registration is preferred by Friday, September 6th in order to guarantee an event t-shirt. (Additional t-shirts will be ordered for same-day registration, but will be on a first-come first-serve basis and sizes may vary).

Does it cost money to register?
Answer: Yes, there is a $35 registration fee per individual participating in the event. If a child is in a stroller, no entry fee is required.

Can I register at the Walk?
Answer: Yes, you can register on-site the day of the event starting at 6:00 pm until 7:30 pm. If you are able to pre-register online (August 16 – Sept. 6), please do so in order to receive an event t-shirt and expedite the check-in process on the day of the walk.

I just registered for the walk. Now what?
Answer: Thank you for registering! Please check-in at the registration table at the event between 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm to pickup your t-shirt.

Who should register for the walk?
Answer: Anyone is welcome to participate in the walk! However, if a child is in a stroller, no entry fee is required. All participants, including children, who are walking for this event are required to pay the entrance fee. Bicycles and roller blades are not permitted on the course.

Where and when is the walk taking place?
Answer: On Saturday, September 21, we will all meet at Baudette Timber Mill Park at 1020 Front Street NE in Baudette, MN. Check in and same-day registration begins at 6:00 pm and ends at 7:30 pm. There will be the “Hope and Remembrance” Wall to check out as well as the merchandise tent, photo booth, and resource tables. Opening Ceremony is from 7:30 to 8:00 pm; the Walk is 8:00 – 9:00 pm; Closing Ceremony will be wrapping up the evening event from 9:00 – 9:30 pm. 

What is the route of the walk?
Answer: The route will be the main walking loop around the softball/baseball field past the playground at Timber Mill Park in Baudette.

Can I bring my dog to the walk?
Answer: While we love our four-legged friends, the Hunter J. Nordlof BE KIND Foundation is kindly asking you to please leave your dogs at home during this event.

Will there be refreshments and restrooms at the event?
Answer: Yes, there will be refreshments available for the walkers for free at Timber Mill Park under the Pavilion before and after the event. A portable restroom is near the starting location of the walk. There are additional public restrooms at the park on the right side of the road just before turning left into the parking lot for use during the event.

What happens with funds raised from this event?
Answer: All funds from this event will go toward covering the expenses of hosting the “Hope Lights the Night Walk” and bringing the Sam Eaton “Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention” Presentation to staff and students at Lake of the Woods School. Find out more about this event by clicking here. Any additional funds raised for our 501(c)3 non-profit will support the Hunter J. Nordlof BE KIND Foundation’s mission of providing public awareness and resources on suicide prevention and to inspire compassion through kindness. 

What if I cannot attend the Walk, but still want to donate?
Answer: We thank you for your support! All donations are 100% tax deductible. Online donations can be made by clicking this link here. Or if you prefer, a check can be written out to the Hunter J. Nordlof BE KIND Foundation and sent to: P.O. Box 958, Baudette, MN 56623.