ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Over 1,000 people laced up their walking shoes at Eldridge Park in Elmira today to walk a mile for an important cause. The Walk a Mile in my Shoes event is held yearly in support of suicide prevention.

This year marked the 19th annual Walk a Mile in my Shoes and people not only helped by donating to the cause, but also by showing up and speaking out. The Chemung County Department of Mental Hygiene coordinates the walk to gather funds, raise awareness, and provide resources for those who may need it or know someone else who does.

"The whole gist is in the name right, 'Walk a Mile in my Shoes'," said Adam Bunce, Co-Director of Walk a Mile in my Shoes. "We're all going through something, we're all battling something but we all can put those positive vibes together and get together to do a walk and just have a lot of positivity in one place at one day and kind of kick off the summer."

The fundraising portion of the event was done through raffles and a donation at the entrance which gave guests a t-shirt and a meal voucher. Although, for most people, the walk wasn't just about that.

"I'm really happy to be here at this event and I'm really happy that it's here raising awareness and offering resources to people who are struggling with their mental health," said Tiffani Ackley-Gammel, a walker and attendee. 

Whether people were walking for themselves, their loved ones, or the cause itself, the large crowd really showcased how many people care about suicide prevention in the area. Eldridge Park was the perfect place for the crowd to walk and to host the event in general.

"The reason why we purposely do it here at Eldridge, it's obviously a beautiful site, but when you see that many people walking around the lake, it's just that powerful," said Brian Hart, the Commissioner of Social Services and Mental Hygiene for Chemung County.

Walk a Mile in my Shoes also offered resources on site for people to check out and pass along to others if needed. Their message was hopeful and they are continuing to share it year after year.

"Because for me, if I have to put $100 into an event and it saves one life, it's worth it," Bunce said. "At the end of the day, everybody has value, everybody brings something to this community and sometimes people just don't know it. So, events like this just help spark that drive, that inspiration inside somebody. Like, you know what, I do have a reason for being here. That's why we do this."

The suicide prevention fundraiser occurs yearly on the first weekend in May. Organizers hope that events like this continue to spread hope, awareness, and resources that may help those who need it.

Two children who attended the event said, "Mental health matters!"

If you or anyone else you know needs help, please dial the suicide hotline number at 988. There is also a mobile crisis team that 988 can help people in Chemung County to get in touch with.