Team members from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City were among the more than 750 walkers Sept. 10 who took part in American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s “Out of the Darkness Community Walk.”
The walk, which took place on Atlantic City’s iconic Boardwalk, raised $270,000 for the charity, with Hard Rock team members breaking records for most money raised and number of walkers.
“I’m so proud of the many Hard Rock Atlantic City team members, along with our impressive community partners, who rallied behind this very important cause this year to make a statement and raise awareness for mental health and wellness,” said Hard Rock General Manager Michael Sampson in a statement. ”Together, we raised the highest amount of donations in the state, which will make a tremendous impact to help educate people and reduce the stigma associated with mental health and suicide. World Suicide Prevention Day was marked on the same weekend as our walk, amplifying our message that suicide is preventable.”
Funds raised by the event include a $50,000 contribution at a recent Machine Gun Kelly concert hosted by Hard Rock Atlantic City. Hard Rock Hotels also will donate $25,000 to the AFSP as part of Hard Rock’s sponsorship of the Audacy’s We Can Survive concert, featuring Maroon Five, One Republic, and Kelly Clarkson, Oct. 14 in Newark, New Jersey.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is a voluntary health organization that creates a community empowered by research, education and advocacy for those affected by suicide.
“We are honored and grateful to partner with Hard Rock in the fight to prevent suicide,” said AFSP Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Mike Lamma. “Through Hard Rock’s leadership, we have been able to engage the communities of Atlantic and Cape Counties to raise awareness, bring comfort to those who have lost someone to suicide and to raise funds for suicide prevention.”
