UNION CITY, Ind. — This year’s SOUL (Survivors of Unspeakable Loss) Walk will be held on Sept. 20 at Harter Park here, which also happens to be the birthday of one of the founders, Darla Bowman.
Bowman, who has spearheaded the walk for the past four years, started it when it was known as the Out of Darkness Walk, then just held for survivors of those who completed suicide. Since that time, the walk’s name changed to SOUL and it is open to anybody who has suffered a loss of any kind.
The day will get started with something new.
“At 11 a.m., we will be serving Paul Mueller’s chicken or pork chop dinners until 1 p.m.,” Bowman said. “Dinners will be $7 each and will be pre-sale only. This is our main fundraiser this year and proceeds go to support those grieving in our community.”
Served with the meals will be half a chicken or 14-ounce pork chop plus applesauce, chips and a roll.
Mueller will also have his kettle corn there.
Registration for the walk is from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The ceremony and walk will begin at 2, as always, and it will be followed by the butterfly release.
There will be raffles and t-shirts will be available.
“We have to-shirts pre-sale at $10 for 2T-5X,” she said. “But some will be available at the walk.”
Prizes in the raffle include a TV set and memorial items, such as a bench.
She said Lemonade for Soldiers is expecting to return to the event and possibly memorial jewelry.
The theme this year is “Our Stars In Heaven.”
Bowman said the decorations will feature a sky background to be covered with stars to memorialize the deceased. Each star will cost $5 to put a deceased person’s name on it.
Greg Harshman, Bowman noted, is once again volunteering his deejay service.
The event takes place at Shelter 1 behind the swimming pool in the Union City, Indiana, park.
“Please come out and support SOUL and honor those you have loved and lost,” Bowman said.
