Annual Remembrance Walk Question and Answers
Q. “What is the purpose of the SASS walk?
A. The walk was started to help unite others who have experienced a loss of a loved one by a tragic death. Its purpose is to unite survivors and let them know they are not alone.
Q. “I have heard of the “Out of Darkness Walk” sponsored by the AFSP. How does your organization’s walk differ?
A. SASS certainly supports many of the goals the AFSP stands for and applauds their efforts on suicide research. We wanted to establish a "grass root” organization where the funds earned from the walk stay exclusively in the metropolitan Kansas City area.
Q. “Is the walk then a fundraiser and do you have other fundraisers throughout the year?”
A. “Yes, this is our only fundraiser and participation fees collected go toward the expense of putting on the walk such as advertising, t-shirts, park rental fees, etc. We are fortunate to have sponsors who are generous and support our cause. All monies collected go toward suicide awareness, education, prevention, and survivor support.
Q. “Who makes up the SASS Board and does anyone get a salary”?
A. SASS is made up of a dedicated board of volunteers who have been touched in some way by the loss of a loved one by a traumatic death. No one on our board receives monetary compensation.
Q. “Is SASS a 501( c) 3? Also, my work encourages us to donate to United Way and I have never seen SASS listed. Can I still donate to it?
A. SASS is a 501( c) 3 and has also received checked marked status through the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation. Yes, all you need to do is write SASS MoKan’s name on your participation sheet and include our address.
Q.“What should I expect if I attend this event?
A. It is a time to reflect on loved ones, for fellowship with others who have experienced a difficult loss. The walk reflects that we have survived this traumatic loss and continue to honor our loved one’s memory. Hearing the walkers’ steps hitting the pavement, to the pattering of doves being released, to the sound of the motorcycles starting up, it is our way to let our loved ones know they are and will continue to be dear to our hearts. We honor them in memory and spirit.
Q. “What other events is SASS having and will there be a charge”?
A. SASS is recognizing National Survivor’s of Suicide Day on November 19th by having a National Broadcast, local panel discussion and Remembrance Service. After the broadcast and local panel, we have a speaker, candle lighting, listen to melodic harp music, and enjoy fellowship. There is no cost involved to our participants. SASS is also putting together a Day of Healing and reflection on Sunday, February 19th. It is geared toward the well-being of survivors. More information will be forthcoming.
Reasons to support SASS
SASS does not receive funding from any major corporations
SASS does not hire or compensate any board members
SASS does not hire a full time publicity team
SASS does not charge or encourage participants to raise at least $250 to participate in a walk event
SASS does not charge for printed materials when presenting information about suicide
SASS does only one fundraiser a year and that is our community walk
SASS does have dedicated board members who meet monthly and volunteer their time
SASS does use public media for information and only during the walk event has someone for public relations
SASS does have a $25 participant fee for the Remembrance Walk. This includes a t-shirt and other give a ways
SASS does provide community presentations and printed materials at no charge
SASS does send funds to area support groups to purchase items such as Kleenex, books, handouts
SASS does need your support!!!
Shouldn’t you support a local, grass roots organization, who is trying to educate, promote emotional wellness, unite survivors, assist area support groups, and reduce the stigma surrounding suicide?
Bonnie's Blog
Bonnie Swade now has a blog. You can follow by email or other social media sites.
Bonnie's Blog Site
01-22-11 SASS-MoKan Day of Healing is set
Please see the Calendar Page for all of the information regarding the Day of Healing coming up on Feb 20th!
Click Here
11-19-10 Remembrance Service Media Items
Please see the Remembrance Service Page for links to news and video links
Click Here
11-13-10 Kansas City Star Article on Remembrance Service
Support group helps survivors cope with loss from suicide - KansasCity.com
08-03-10 - SASS Walk Press Release Download
Download or view online a PDF version of our 2010 SASS Walk Press release
click here
05-19-10 - Experts Say Warning Signs for Suicide are Being Missed
Mickey and Bonnie Swade of SASS-MoKan are featured in this Fox 4 news story entitled "Experts Say Warning Signs for Suicide are Being Missed".
View Video
05-11-10 - Responding to Loss Seminar
SassMokan board member Mark Fenton will be facilitating a one night seminar entitled “Responding to Loss” that will take place on Thursday, May 20 from 7-9 pm. See the calendar for more information
04-04-10 - Newsletter download
We now have a PDF version of our latest newsletter that was sent out in late February. To download or view online,
click here
03-30-10 - SASSMoKan Website Changes
We are in the process of adding some new content to the website. We have some exciting items we are working on, and the site should be fully functional in the next few days.
03-25-10 - SASSMoKan profile on Greater Kansas City Community Foundation
SASS has been check marked through the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation. See our
profile listing
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