WHS event to raise funds for suicide prevention

Whitefish High School is holding an event aimed at raising awareness and providing funds for suicide prevention.

The Walk for Life is Friday, May 29 from 6-9 p.m. at the high school track. Proceeds go to the Nate Chute Foundation and the Student Assistance Program.

Sophomore Julia Houston and junior Rachel Dunlap are organizing the second annual event. About 100 people participated last year, raising roughly $1,200.

“We felt last year’s event had a positive impact,” Houston said. “We want to bring the community together in the fight against suicide.”

The Whitefish student council has reached out to students at the middle school, along with Glacier, Flathead and Columbia Falls high schools in hopes of getting even more participation.

“We want to foster a community of hope,” Dunlap said. “We want to create a sense of unity and support for individuals who struggle with suicide.”

The Nate Chute Foundation, named for a WHS student who committed suicide, has a mission to provide suicide prevention efforts, particularly in the Whitefish School District.

The Student Assistance Program is an intervention program for K-12 students with its primary focus on providing support groups where students can talk about various issues in a safe environment.

In addition to students, community members are encouraged to participate as an individual or as a team.

Participants will walk around the high school track during the event. Refreshments and music will provided. There will several raffle prizes, including a season pass to Whitefish Mountain Resort. Luminary bags will also be lit to honor suicide victims.

Registration for the Walk for Life is $5 for individuals or $10 for teams and comes with T-shirts. Participants are encouraged to raise donations or get business sponsorships.

Registration forms are available at the middle and high schools and Big Sky Antiques.

For more information, contact the high school at 862-8600.