Overnight Updates & Opportunities

We're just under six weeks out from the big event and that means crunch time here at The Overnight Office. Our staff and volunteers have been hard at work to make the 2011 Overnight the best yet, but we wanted to take a moment to share some news and incredible upcoming opportunities with you:

1. Route Preview Day - You’re invited (your friends and family too) to join us this Saturday, April 30th, for Overnight Route Preview Day. This 5 or 10 mile training walk (your choice) will give you a first-hand glimpse of this year’s route in preparation for the New York Overnight Walk on June 4-5, 2011. Route Preview Day will begin and end at Cadman Plaza in Brooklyn, NY, the 2011 Overnight Opening and Closing Ceremonies location, at 8:00am. RSVP HERE
2. Keep an eye out later this week for a special announcement about on-event volunteer opportunities. In the meantime, if you're in the NYC area and looking to get involved in the weeks leading up to the walk, check out this week's volunteer newsletter for a glimpse of our latest opportunities to lend a helping hand.
3. Our refer-a-friend campaign has given many walkers a chance to get friends and family involved while earning a little credit to kick their fundraising into gear. From now until April 30th, earn a $50 Credit When You Refer A Friend to Walk. Refer a Friend here. Your referral will save $15 on registration fee and receive a $15 head start on fundraising. Use promo code: savelives
   
   Still need to register to walk? You can register online at theovernight.org between now and April 30th and save $15 on your registration fee and receive a $15 head start on your fundraising. Use promo code: savelives
4. Looking for a great opportunity to meet other Walkers, exchange creative ideas, and develop your fundraising plan? Then join us for one of our upcoming Fundraising Workshops, led by an Overnight staff member in various locations throughout New York as well as over the phone via conference-call. Whether you are an experienced fundraiser who would like to share your ideas or a new Walker who has never fundraised before, these workshops are for you. We'll cover: setting up your fundraising page, designing your campaign, implementing a fundraising plan, organizing a fundraising event, creative fundraising strategies, final ideas, and finish with a Q & A session. RSVP for one today!
5. The Overnight Crew is just about full, but we still need some Specialty Support. If you or someone you know is qualified for one of the following teams and would like to participate in the Overnight, but is unable or not interested in walking and fundraising, please pass on this information:
   Medical Crew: NY Licensed Medical Professionals are needed to support all of walkers at both stops along the route, and our Medical Tent at the Ceremonies Site.
   Participant Support: Consists of: social work, support group facilitators, psychologists and psychiatrists. These Mental Health Professionals and those with support experience provide mental and emotional support for any walkers who need it.
   Motorcycle Safety: Ride your own motorcycle and provide a safety presence throughout the walk, assisting with traffic when necessary and experiencing the Overnight in a unique and interesting way.
   
   To register or for more information, please call 888-TheOvernight, or email our Crew Coordinator, Jonathan Horowitz, at jonathan.horowitz@theovernight.org.
6. We've had several Walkers taking advantage of our Hometown Press Release to have their stories published in their local news outlets. You can check out a few of our most recent submissions below. (For a full list of 2011 stories, please visit www.theovernight.org/press)Montague resident to walk 18 miles to raise awareness for suicide prevention
   
   Out of the Darkness draws awareness to suicide prevention
   
   Belvidere sisters join fight against suicide
   
   The Out of the Darkness Overnight
7. One of the activities of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is to offer educational programs and materials for professionals. Most recently, AFSP has updated their Media Recommendations for responsible reporting on suicide. You can also learn more by visiting www.reportingonsuicide.org.

Connect with the Overnight Community and continue the conversations by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter. Don't forget to share with friends and family, too!


Please feel free to call 888-TheOvernight (843-6837) or email coaches@theovernight.org with any questions or for additional information.