On Oct. 12, members of the California Men’s Colony (CMC) Honor Guard participated in the annual Out of the Darkness Walk in San Luis Obispo. The team rallied with help, raising nearly $4,500.
The Walk, as it commonly known as, is part of a nationwide effort to raise awareness and funds that allow the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to invest in research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss.
Honor Guard members Sgt. Rodolfo Valencia, Officer Gilbert Arguijo, Officer Christopher Scherrer and Officer Hector Garcia posted themselves at the end of the route and handed out water and words of encouragement to those finishing the walk.
In order to help advance the AFSP in their effort, CMC Information Technology Specialist Sara Coppenger and CMC Correctional Officer Daniel Umphenour co-founded a fundraising team called CMC Strong. Their motto is “I’ve got your 6.”
The team, made up of CMC staff members and their loved ones, raised approximately $4,500 for AFSP.
Fundraising will continue through the remainder of the year at AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk in San Luis Obispo.
Team members can still be sponsored at AFSP’s CMC Strong fundraising page (may not be available on a CDCR computer).