Out Of The Darkness Overnight

The Out Of The Darkness Overnight is a 20-mile overnight walk benefiting the American Foundation For Suicide Prevention. They are a great organization that helps to educate about depression and suicide, do research and counseling and give support to people who have been affected by it.

I thought it was a great cause, and I've chosen to walk to support, specifically, gay youth. It's horrible every time I read about a gay teenager who took their own life because they felt that their family, friends or society would never accept them. I know how it feels, so thought this would be a great way for me to do my part.

I have to raise $1000 in order to participate in the walk, and still have quite a ways to go. My employees have contributed over $100 so far, which is terrific. My boss has vowed to match personally whatever the employees contribute from all the stores in the district. I've contacted a lot of my friends who have been willing to donate.

Strangely, the people who don't seem to be that supportive are the gay community. I sent emails to both Andy at Towleroad and Joe at JoeMyGod, two of the most widely read gay blogs on the 'Net, asking them to mention what I was doing to see if I could get the gay community to rally around me and donate. They never answered, never posted anything on their site. I guess it's more important to keep posting pictures of shirtless athletes or Madonna or talk about getting laid than it is to use your clout in the community to help a good cause. My email group made up of authors and readers of gay material failed to generate a single donation either.

To the best of my knowledge, I'm the only one walking specifically for gay youth support, which is kind of sad. However, I vow to raise the money and get out there. I was asked to walk in the Gay Pride Parade here in San Francisco on June 25th as part of the Out Of The Darkness group, but unfortunately I have to work and can't get out of it.

The walk is July 22nd -23rd. Anyone who wants to contribute to helping me raise money can do so at this link. Of course, please spread the word to anyone you know who might contribute.