Tomorrow Matters to Host Suicide Awareness and Prevention Walk October 10 in Wapakoneta

WAPAKONETA — A new local nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health awareness is inviting community members to participate in an upcoming walk while helping ensure resources and financial support remain in the area.

Tomorrow Matters will hold its awareness walk Saturday, October 10, at Heritage Park in Wapakoneta. Registration begins at 9 a.m., followed by opening ceremonies and the walk at 10 a.m.

Brooke Dingledine and Teresa Fisher discussed the event and the organization’s mission during an appearance on WCSM Radio’s Spectrum program with host Kevin Sandler.

The nonprofit was formed after organizers who previously helped coordinate awareness walks in Wapakoneta sought greater control over how money raised locally could be used.

Fisher said those earlier walks were valuable, but working through a larger organization meant some money went back to that foundation, while restrictions limited how remaining funds could support local needs.

“We were finding they just didn’t fall into what we needed within our community and how we wanted to use those funds,” Fisher said.

By establishing Tomorrow Matters, the organization’s board can determine how donations should be directed and assure supporters that their contributions will benefit communities in the area.

“Now we can tell them it stays local, that it will be used for our local communities around us,” Fisher said.

Although the organization meets in Auglaize County and the upcoming walk will be held in Wapakoneta, Dingledine said Tomorrow Matters does not intend to restrict assistance to a particular city or county.

The group hopes to support awareness efforts, scholarships, families facing mental health challenges and people affected by suicide.

“We really believe that no one should have to walk that road alone,” Dingledine said. “It’s something that no one should feel ashamed about.”

Fisher said her involvement grew from the loss of a family member and the difficulty she experienced finding local resources and support.

The organization’s name was suggested by Chad Dunlap of Wapakoneta and reflects its central message: Even when someone is struggling today, tomorrow offers another opportunity for hope and help.

The October 10 event is open to everyone, including those who have experienced mental health challenges, families who have lost loved ones and community members who simply want to show their support.

Participants will also have an opportunity to remember loved ones at a “Light the Candle” area, where they can write a person’s name on a card and light a tea-light candle in their memory.

The walk is expected to last approximately an hour and a half, with activities generally concluding around noon.

The event also coincides with World Mental Health Day, giving organizers another opportunity to encourage open conversations and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.

Dingledine and Fisher emphasized that people who appear outwardly fine may still be struggling. They encouraged community members to check on friends, relatives and coworkers, listen without judgment and seek immediate assistance if someone may be in danger.

Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or concerned about another person can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

Sponsorship opportunities remain available for businesses, organizations and families. Participants can register for the walk, make donations and find local mental health resources at tomorrow-matters.org.