On Sunday, September 18, 2011, the Long Beach Boardwalk was the gathering place for hundreds of walkers, of all ages, to show their support for Long Island Crisis Center and its mission to raise suicide awareness and prevention. The Walk raised almost $45,000, with net proceeds going to the Community Education Program. Highlights of the Walk included emotional and moving addresses by Linda Rossi, founder of the Chrissy's Wish Foundation and Susan Keogh, a Bellmore community member. Both are survivors of young family members who had committed suicide. The Walk was also the perfect opportunity to present LICC's Linda Nadle Community Service Award to co-recipients Rita Kestenbaum and Cheryl Schiffman.

Rockville Center High School students gave their support this year...indicating a growing interest in school districts to be a more visible partner in suicide prevention and awareness.

Honorary Chair Legislator Denise Ford, LICC supporter Catherine Scaffidi, GEICO's Gecko, Executive Director Linda Leonard and Board President Dorothy Jacobs led the Walk.

Island Park Faculty and students from Island Park's Lincoln Orens Middle School walked proudly together to raise suicide awareness.

LICC Board President Dorothy Jacobs presents Cheryl Schiffman and Rita Kestenbaum with the Linda Nadle Community Service Award.

On June 19, Sands Point resident Norman Kay completed the 145-mile Ride to Montauk, from Penn Station to downtown Montauk. Norman, a Long Island Crisis Center Board of Directors member and former hotline counselor, made his bike trip a fundraiser and raised more than $3200 for the center's crisis intervention and suicide prevention counseling services.

Through Spring of 2010, LICC had a billboard placed by the LIE as you enter Nassau County from Queens. This is one of the most heavily-trafficed roads entering the county and was a big help in spreading the word about our crucial services.

Staff and volunteers at the first annual Let's Walk, Let's Talk... Stepping Together to Prevent Suicide at beautiful Morgan Park in Glen Cove. The walk was sponsored by Nassau County Legislator Diane Yatauro (center left).

Walkers take a karate lesson at one of the fitness stations along the walk route.

LICC volunteers (left to right) Samantha, Nina and Melissa braved the stormy weather to join us at the walk.

Executive Director Linda Leonard accepts a $500 check from local businessman Gary Smith. Gary is the former owner of Bellmore's Brokerage Club. As owner, Gary ran almost 100 benefits for local organizations each year at the Brokerage. After selling the business three years ago, he continues to raise money at local venues through his New York Entertainment Club. This year he wanted to "keep it local," and generously donated half of the proceeds from a recent event in Huntington Village to LICC.

Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy (right) acknowledged Executive Director Linda Leonard’s more than 30 years of service with an entry into the Congressional Record. “Ms. Leonard has brought support to numerous groups on the Long Island,” the record reads, “and has brought LICC from its very humble beginnings to an established multi-service agency.  The people of Long Island are in debt to the work of this committed woman.”

LICC Volunteer Whitney holds Baby “Hope” as Children of Hope Director Tim Jaccard looks on.  Having kept her pregnancy secret and in labor in her car, the baby’s mother was desperate for help and called the Children of Hope hotline. She was connected with Tim who helped rescue her and the baby. LICC counselors have been answering the Children of Hope hotline since 2000.