Suicide Prevention Services annual Mardi Gras March may be the only charity walkathon where sitting in a rocking chair is not only allowed, but is encouraged.

The walkathon is a way to bring the community together to educate members about suicide, said Stephanie Weber, executive director of the Batavia-based organization. To make the event open to everyone, walking isn’t emphasized, she added.

“We want families to come and have fun and learn about prevention,” Weber said. “Participants can walk indoors around the track or outside. There are even rocking chairs to sit inside and rock. It’s an upbeat and informal event.”

The march, to be held Saturday at the Prisco Community Center in Aurora, honors individuals lost to suicide, Weber said. Funds raised will be used for community outreach programs in DeKalb, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, LaSalle and Cook counties.

About 200 people participated in last year’s event and raised more than $26,000, said LuAnn Peters, co-chair of the event. The organization hopes to top $30,000 in donations this year.

With the goal of prevention, the walkathon celebrates life instead of focusing on the permanence of suicide, Peters said.

Weber, an NIU alumna, helped form SPS in 1998. Programs focus on intervention and prevention, aiming to decrease the prevalence of suicide by educating the public about warning signs.

Registration starts at 11 a.m. Saturday at the center, located at the corner of Route 31 and Illinois Avenue in Aurora. Participants are asked to raise a minimum of $100 in pledges. A $10 registration fee includes a T-shirt and refreshments. The walkathon will end by 3:30 p.m.

To sign up, call Suicide Prevention Services at 630-482-9699.