The 8th Annual HOPEwalk  was held on Saturday, September 18th, at Cherry Hill Park in Cedar Rapids.  According to organizers “The HOPEwalk is an event to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention through Honoring (those we have lost), Openness (to start the conversation to help eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness and suicide), Prevention, and Education.“  Hundreds of walkers participated and raised nearly $30,000. Staff Councilors Brett Cloyd and Becky Keogh helped with the clean-up effort, breaking down tables, collecting garbage, and working with the HOPEwalk’s organizers to make sure the site was clean and ready for the park’s visitors. This is a great example of Councilors volunteering outside of Staff Council-sponsored opportunities to embody Community Outreach.