REGISTER TO WALK
SPONSOR A WALKER/TEAM
SPONSOR THE EVENT
TIME REMAINING
$53,411.00
Raised
$80,000.00
Goal
458
Donors
$26,589.00 left to reach our goal!
Title Sponsor
$7,500.00
Presenting Partner
$5,000.00
Lifesaver
$2,500.00
Junior Lifesaver
$1,000.00
Friend
$500.00
Supporter
$250.00
About
Long Island Crisis Center provides 24/7, free, high-quality, confidential, and non-judgmental programs and services to support and empower Long Islanders at critical times in their lives.
Let’s Walk, Let’s Talk is an annual walk and fundraiser hosted by Long Island Crisis Center. Since 2009, The Walk has been an opportunity for people from across Long Island to come together, walk together, and raise awareness of suicide prevention in our community. Each year, this moving and spirited event is attended by individuals and families – of all ages – with the aim of spreading the message: “No one walks alone.”
Event Details
18th Annual
Let's Walk, Let's Talk...
Stepping Together to Prevent Suicide
Sunday, October 4, 2026
Long Beach Boardwalk
at Laurelton Blvd.
10:15 AM – On-Site Registration
11:00 AM – Programs & Awards
11:30 AM – Walk Begins
Let's Walk; Let's Talk is an annual walk and fundraiser hosted by the Long Island Crisis Center. Since 2009, this beloved community tradition has brought people from across Long Island together to raise awareness, break the silence around suicide, and remind every person who is struggling that they are not alone.
Now in its 18th year, the walk is more than a fundraiser — it's a movement. Hundreds of individuals and families gather each fall on the Long Beach Boardwalk to walk side by side, carrying a shared message of hope, healing, and community.
We Walk Because…
- Suicide prevention only works when we stop whispering and start talking openly, honestly, and without shame.
- Every name on our Wall of Remembrance deserves to be spoken aloud and honored.
- Survivors of loss deserve a day to grieve publicly, surrounded by people who understand.
- Suicide does not discriminate — it touches every community, every background, every family.
- We want every person on Long Island to know: at LICC, it is always OK to ask for help.
- When we walk together, we go home knowing we may have saved a life.
Honoring the Michael R. Berube Foundation
A Life That Is Remembered Is Never Lost
Each year, Long Island Crisis Center’s Let’s Walk; Let’s Talk Suicide Prevention Walk honors a Person of the Year — an individual, family, or organization whose commitment to mental health awareness and suicide prevention has made a lasting impact on our community. This year, we are deeply proud to recognize The Michael R. Berube Foundation.
Their story is one of profound loss transformed into extraordinary purpose. And their impact on the Long Beach community, and on the lives of people they may never even meet, is immeasurable.
Remembering Michael R. Berube
Michael Berube was many things to many people. A loving son. A twin brother to Saige. A big brother to Leah. His love and dedication to his family were unwavering, and his commitment to his community was evident in everything he did.
Michael had a natural warmth and kindness that made others feel included — especially those faced with adversity. He always wanted to help, and he often put others before himself. His humor and infectious smile were a light for everyone around him.
He was a dedicated wrestler, first as a Long Beach Gladiator and then as a member of the Long Beach High School Varsity Team. His work ethic and commitment made him invaluable: A beloved brother and friend both on and off the mats. Michael loved the beach, the ocean, and the Long Beach community, and took tremendous pride in becoming a Long Beach Lifeguard.
The Michael R. Berube Foundation
In the wake of losing Michael, his family chose to do something remarkable. With the support of friends and the community, Neila Berube established The Michael R. Berube Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to honoring Michael’s life, preserving his memory, and continuing his impact in the Long Beach community.
The Foundation’s mission is twofold: to provide scholastic and athletic scholarships to students within the Long Beach community and to develop and promote mental health awareness, suicide prevention education, and advocacy programs that help ensure no one has to struggle alone.
At the heart of the Foundation’s community work is the Michael Berube Sunset Color Run — an annual event held on the Long Beach Boardwalk that brings together hundreds of residents, friends, and families each spring to run, celebrate life, and raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. Now in its third year, the Color Run has become a beloved Long Beach tradition and a powerful reminder that community is one of the most effective forces against isolation and despair.
To learn more about The Michael R. Berube Foundation, visit michaelberubefoundation.org or follow them on Instagram at @michaelberubefoundation.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Title Sponsor
Presenting Sponsors
Lifesavers
Junior Lifesavers
Friends
Supporters
Contact Us
Long Island Crisis Center
Cynthia Ramsaran
Long Island Crisis Center
2740 Martin Ave., Bellmore, NY
516-940-2225
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before October 4th.
THE BASICS
Q: What is Let's Walk; Let's Talk?
The Long Island Crisis Center's annual Suicide Prevention Walk is a community-wide event on the Long Beach Boardwalk. Now in its 18th year, it brings together hundreds of Long Islanders each fall to walk in support of mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Every dollar raised funds for LICC's free, 24/7 crisis services.
Q: When and where is the walk?
Sunday, October 4, 2026. Check-in opens at 10:15 AM. The opening ceremony begins at 11:00 AM sharp. Location: Long Beach Boardwalk, 1 Laurelton Blvd, Long Beach, NY 11561.
Q: How long is the walk?
The walk follows the Long Beach Boardwalk. You are welcome to walk at your own pace. There is no set distance requirement — just show up and walk!
Q: How much does it cost to register?
Registration is $25 per person and includes your official walk T-shirt. You can register in advance or at the registration table on the day of the event.
Q: Can I register on the day of the walk?
Yes! Day-of registration is available at the registration table starting at 10:15 AM. We recommend registering online in advance to guarantee your T-shirt size.
Q: Is the walk family-friendly?
Absolutely. The walk is open to all ages.
WEATHER & WHAT TO WEAR
Q: Will the walk happen if it rains?
Yes — the walk is rain or shine.
Q: What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are a must. October mornings on the boardwalk can be cool and breezy, so we recommend dressing in layers. If rain is in the forecast, bring a light rain jacket or poncho. Don't forget to pick up your walk shirt at the T-shirt table when you arrive!
Q: Is there shade or shelter at the event?
The Long Beach Boardwalk is an open-air venue. There is some natural shade along the boardwalk, but we recommend bringing sunscreen and a hat just in case.
PARKING & GETTING THERE
Q: Where do I park?
Street parking is available on surrounding streets. We recommend arriving early as spots fill up quickly on Sunday mornings.
DAY-OF DETAILS
Q: What time should I arrive?
Check-in opens at 10:15 AM. We recommend arriving at that time to pick up your T-shirt, browse the raffle and silent auction tables, and settle in before the opening ceremony at 11:00 AM.
Q: What can I expect at the opening ceremony?
The opening ceremony begins at 11:00 AM sharp and features remarks from LICC's Board President Lisa Veglia and Executive Director Theresa Buhse, the presentation of this year's Person of the Year award to the Michael R. Berube Foundation, and the Long Beach High School Marching Band leading the walk up the boardwalk. DJ Rob Shapiro will keep the energy going all morning.
Q: Will there be food and drinks?
Yes! Water, Culture Pop Soda, and North Fork Potato Chips will be providing refreshments on site. Fruit will also be available courtesy of Key Food.
Q: What else is happening at the event?
In addition to the walk and opening ceremony, the event features a Wall of Remembrance where you can pin a picture or write a name in memory of someone you love, selfie magnets ($10 suggested donation) for a fun keepsake to take home, a raffle with 27 incredible baskets, a silent auction, and a LICC merch table.
Q: What time does the event end?
The raffle drawing and silent auction close at 12:15 PM. Most attendees are finished by 12:30–1:00 PM, though you are welcome to stay as long as you like.
FUNDRAISING & DONATIONS
Q: Do I have to fundraise to participate?
No — participation does not require fundraising. However, we encourage all walkers to create a personal fundraising page on Wizathon and share it with friends, family, and coworkers. Every dollar raised goes directly to LICC's free crisis services.
Q: Can I donate without registering for the walk?
Yes! You can donate directly on the walk page at any time. You can also donate through any registered walker's personal Wizathon fundraising page.
Q: How is the money used?
93 cents of every dollar raised goes directly to LICC's free programs — including 24/7 crisis hotlines and community education in schools.
RAFFLE, 50/50 & SILENT AUCTION
Q: What raffle and auction items are available?
This year's walk features 27 raffle baskets at $2 per ticket, a 50/50 raffle, and 5 incredible silent auction items including a $5,000 portrait session with hotel stay, a Matthew Schaefer autographed jersey ($800+), and more. View our raffle FAQs here.
Q: When do raffle and silent auction sales close?
All raffle ticket sales, 50/50 tickets, and silent auction bids close at 12:15 PM. The raffle drawing takes place immediately after. Winners are announced at 12:30 PM.
CRISIS SUPPORT & RESOURCES
Q: What is LICC and what services do they provide?
The Long Island Crisis Center has provided free, confidential, 24/7 crisis and suicide intervention services to Long Islanders since 1971. LICC operates eight crisis hotlines, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and delivers mental health education to schools across Nassau and western Suffolk County.
Q: What if I or someone I know needs support?
Call or text 988 anytime, day or night. You can also reach LICC directly at (516) 679-1111 or chat online at www.longislandcrisiscenter.org. All services are free and confidential.
Do you still have questions? We're happy to help.
Contact Walk Committee Lead Cynthia Ramsaran:
[email protected] • (516) 940-2225
It's OK to ask for help. • Let's Walk; Let's Talk 2026 • Long Island Crisis Center