World Suicide Prevention Day 2025
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City once again served as the proud presenting sponsor of the Atlantic-Cape Out of the Darkness Community Walk on Saturday, September 6, 2025, benefiting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Taking place along the Atlantic City Boardwalk, Over the years, the Atlantic-Cape Walk has grown into the largest AFSP walk in New Jersey, raising more than $1 million since its inception, with Hard Rock’s leadership and contributions helping to drive record-breaking fundraising totals.
Many friends and family members walked in remembrance of a loved one.
Dear Person behind me, the world is a better place with you in it. Love the person in front of you.
Michael Sampson “I am joining hundreds of thousands of people across the country who are walking in the Out of the Darkness Community Walks to prevent suicide and support AFSP’s mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. I walk for very personal reasons, I have lost a loved one to suicide and had many other friends and family who have lived with challenging mental health issues. My goal has always been to help one person or one family, by preventing a tragic loss. “
One of the most moving parts of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Walks is the tradition of honor beads. Each color tells a story and represents a walker’s personal connection to the cause—white for those who’ve lost a child, red for a spouse or partner, gold for a parent, orange for a sibling, purple for a relative or friend, and silver for a first responder or member of the military. Green signifies a personal struggle, teal represents supporting a loved one who struggles, and blue shows solidarity as an AFSP supporter. As participants walk side by side, the beads create a powerful tapestry of remembrance, resilience, and hope, reminding everyone that they are not alone in their journey.
Jared Lombardi Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Advocate 💜 Founder/Director @the_positive_pursuit 🌻 @ourgardenac explained the bead colors to the walkers. He wears a green one, as I do.
But I’ve never have had the courage to wear it, even though I’ve volunteered for over a decade on behalf of the AFSP and to save lives. I still have such shame about attempting to end my life, three times in my 20s, before seeking treatment, and getting sober which helped tremendously.
I am grateful for the AFSP Philly Chapter for honoring me with the Lifesaver Award in 2015.
This year the AFSP South Jersey chapter honored the Atlantic City Police Department, for their life saving actions in saving multiple lives over the years, and most recently over the summer they saved a mans life.
Stopping suicide begins with breaking the silence and reminding one another that help is always within reach. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention works year-round to provide education, resources, and support for those impacted by suicide.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please remember you are not alone. You can dial or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, to be immediately connected with trained counselors who are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. By sharing this simple three-digit number and keeping the conversation open, we can spread hope, save lives, and work together to #StopSuicide.
Sorry for the late posting on this, it’s always an emotional day for me, remembering the dark days. Sometimes they rear their ugly head, but now I have the tools to deal with my depression.
On October 5 the AFSP Philadelphia chapter has their walk at the Mann. My friend Stephanie Elizabeth Algayer recently lost a good friend to suicide. She’s walking in the AFSP Walk.
Hello everyone. Today is “World Suicide Prevention Day.” As some of you may and some of you may not know. We lost an amazing friend, son, sibling, uncle, talented photographer, and one of a kind human being this July. Jon ( was my boyfriend Teddy’s absolute best friend (more like brother) since they were 9 years old. I was more than lucky & so thankful to have gotten to know Jon, and for him to become like a brother to me for these past few years. We miss him dearly and will forever have a huge piece missing from our lives without him here. Donate Here – Stephanie Elizabeth Algayer
