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Employees from all nine Atlantic City casinos joined the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention‘s (AFSP) seventh annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk on Sunday, Sept. 20, raising $315,000 through the Casino Association of New Jersey (CANJ). The association announced the total on Sept. 22.
The money will support suicide prevention, mental health education and awareness programs in the region.
Every Atlantic City casino joins walk
Registration began at 9 a.m. outside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City at 1000 Boardwalk, and the walk started at 10 a.m. Participants walked to honor loved ones, support survivors and help fund suicide prevention research, education and advocacy.
Hard Rock Casino led this year’s participation. It was the first Atlantic City casino to join the walk, after employees whose loved ones were affected by suicide encouraged the property to get involved.
Since 2018, Hard Rock has brought together residents, businesses and community groups around the event. The partnership has helped the Atlantic-Cape walk raise more than $1 million and become the largest Out of the Darkness event in New Jersey, according to Shore Local Newsmagazine.
Casino leaders stress shared commitment
Michael Sampson, general manager of Hard Rock Atlantic City and a board member of the AFSP New Jersey Chapter, said supporting access to lifesaving resources “helps build stronger, safer communities.” He said the resort was proud to support the foundation again.
CANJ President George Goldhoff said participation from Atlantic City casinos shows the industry’s commitment to the neighborhoods closest to it. He credited the AFSP New Jersey Chapter with providing support and hope to people facing mental health challenges.
Suicide data behind the effort
Suicide is the nation’s 10th-leading cause of death, according to CANJ. AFSP’s latest published figures show 48,824 suicide deaths in the United States in 2024, a 1% decrease from 2023, or 13.7 deaths per 100,000 people. Calls to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s state contact centers rose 12% in 2025 to more than 4.3 million, according to AFSP.
Young people in New Jersey are especially affected. The state Department of Children and Families reports that suicide is the third-leading cause of death among residents ages 15 to 24.
The National Institutes of Health reports that about 20% of children ages 3 to 17 have a mental, emotional or behavioral disorder. It also found that suicide rates among children ages 12 to 17 rose 16% from 2008 to 2020.
AFSP thanks Hard Rock, community partners
Founded in 1987, AFSP is a voluntary health organization that works to save lives and support people affected by suicide, including those grieving a loss. It pursues that mission through research, education, advocacy and community programs.
Mike Lamma, the foundation’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, thanked Hard Rock for its continued partnership and for helping create a community where mental health is discussed openly and people know they are “not alone.”
He also thanked sponsors and community partners, saying their support brings hope, connection and resources to people in need while reducing the stigma that keeps many from seeking help.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
