Walking in the Windy City: Looking Back at AFSP’s 31st Overnight Walk

Among its sky-high buildings, freshly baked pizza aroma, and wind, Chicago streets welcomed over 1,300 participants who walked 16.7 miles across the city to prevent suicide.

On June 13, AFSP hosted its 31st Overnight Walk at Navy Pier to bring awareness to suicide prevention and raise funds for lifesaving public education programs, research, and policy efforts. This year was the first Overnight held in Chicago since 2009, and it raised over $2.9M.

From breathtaking sunset views from the Lake Michigan shoreline to participants enduring storm-soaked shoes and socks for hours, the night was unforgettable. Couldn’t be there or want to relive the night? Here are AFSP’s most memorable Overnight 2026 moments: 

AFSP’s CEO Takes the Overnight Stage for the Last Time 

With 31 Overnight Walks under his belt, AFSP CEO Bob Gebbia took the Overnight Stage for the last time before he retires in 2027. From not knowing if there would be any participants in the first 2002 Overnight Walk in Washington D.C to having thousands participate in this yearly walk and in over 400 Community and Campus Walks across the country, raising  millions of dollars annually, Bob has seen firsthand how our culture’s understanding and view of mental health has evolved.

 Friendships, New and Old, Made Along the Way 

An Overnight Walk isn’t complete without the friendships and bonds made along the way. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or participating solo for the first time, the stories shared and friendships made, new and old, are what make the evening so special. With courage and vulnerability, each participant shared their “why” with each other, from a man who saved someone’s life meeting a woman whose life was saved, to a multiple suicide loss survivor who started her own mental health nonprofit and made a friend on her first walk ever.

The Bittersweet Honor Bead Ceremony Emceed by NBC 5 Chicago’s Allison Rosati 

An Overnight Walk Opening Ceremony tradition is the Honor Bead Ceremony, where Walkers hold a colored beaded necklace, each one signifying a different connection to the cause. This year, NBC 5 Chicago award-winning anchor and reporter Allison Rosati hosted the Opening Ceremony, bravely sharing her story of the loss of a beloved co-worker and honoring each bead color and the stories behind them.

Participants cried tears of sadness, gave hugs of compassion, and held hands symbolizing hope, making it one of the most powerful, bittersweet moments of the entire evening. 

Strutting in Style 

For many Walkers, the 16+ mile route was also their runway. From angel wings to light up tutus, Walkers expressed their vibrant personalities through their outfits and accessories, finding the light among the darkness.

Sheltering, but Smiling, in Place

While the walk started rain-free with a moderate breeze, Walkers later faced showers and stormy conditions. Despite having to temporarily shelter in place at 24/7 open drugstores and under building canopies, Walkers smiled through it all. The brief break gave them the chance to rest their legs, chat with others, even grab a snack, and prepare for the miles to come.

A Peaceful and Pastry-ful Closing Ceremony 

Walkers crossed the finish line back at Navy Pier as early as 2 a.m. Waiting for them were their lit luminarias honoring lives lost and affected by suicide, victory shirts, and tables lined with breakfast goodies. Around 5:30 a.m., choir voices filled the pier’s ballroom, Walkers snacked on delicious pastries and muffins, and Bob Gebbia shared closing remarks.