Atlantic City, NJ (July 8, 2025) – For the sixth year, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City will host the Out of the Darkness Walk benefitting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 6. Over the past five years, Hard Rock Atlantic City’s fundraising efforts resulted in the Atlantic-Cape Walk becoming the largest Walk in the state of New Jersey.
In 2024, under the leadership of Hard Rock Atlantic City General Manager Michael Sampson, The Casino Association of New Jersey (CANJ) participated in the Out of the Darkness Walk and helped to raise more than $280,000. This historic partnership showcased employee participation from every Atlantic City casino property. Over the past five years, Hard Rock Atlantic City has united the local community to raise awareness with fundraising efforts for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). This year, the Atlantic-Cape Walk will exceed over $1 million raised for this important cause.
“We are incredibly grateful to Hard Rock Atlantic City for their continued commitment to AFSP’s mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide as well as to reduce the stigma around mental health,” said Mike Llama, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “With their support, the Atlantic-Cape Walk has grown to be the organizations 11th Top Walk Overall and will exceed over $1,000,000 since its beginning in 2017. 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 critical funds for suicide prevention.”
This year’s walk will depart from the iconic Atlantic City Boardwalk in front of Hard Rock Atlantic City at 10 a.m. with registration beginning at 9 a.m. More information on ways to register, volunteer or donate can be found here.
"We are so proud and grateful for our community partners and for their incredible commitment to support the AFSP New Jersey Chapter,” said Michael Sampson, General Manager at Hard Rock Atlantic City and AFSP NJ Chapter Board Member. “These efforts make a difference in the lives of so many and support AFSP’s mission of saving lives and bringing hope to those who are struggling with mental health issues.”
Established in 1987, The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is a voluntary health organization that gives those affected by suicide a nationwide community empowered by research, education and advocacy to take action against this leading cause of death. AFSP is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health by engaging in funding scientific research, educating the public about mental health and suicide prevention, advocating for public policies in mental health and suicide prevention, and supporting survivors of suicide loss and those affected by suicide
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
With the legendary Atlantic City Boardwalk as its backdrop, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City has become Atlantic City’s go-to entertainment destination. The property features an award-winning gaming floor that offers 2,425 slots, 130 table games, and a dedicated Sportsbook. Boasting more than 15 food and beverage offerings, guests are able to enjoy fine dining at Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, Kuro, and Il Mulino, to casual fare at Hard Rock Cafe, YOUYU Noodle Bar, Sugar Factory and Fresh Harvest Buffet. The music-inspired resort offers guests a glimpse into the world’s most valuable and largest music memorabilia collection, along with services from Rock Spa® & Salon, which offers rhythm and music inspired treatments like the Soul Survivor Massage. With more than 150,000 square feet of meeting and event space, Hard Rock Atlantic City can fit any bill from intimate board meetings to large-scale conferences. For more information or to book your stay, please visit hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com.
About Hard Rock®
Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in over 70 countries spanning 309 locations that include owned/licensed or managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops®, Live Performance Venues and Cafes. HRI also launched a joint venture named Hard Rock Digital in 2020, an online sportsbook, retail sportsbook and internet gaming platform. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world’s largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia at more than 88,000 pieces, which are displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock Hotels has been honored by J.D. Power’s North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Study as the number one brand in Outstanding Guest Satisfaction for two consecutive years, and among the top Upper Upscale Hotels for four consecutive years. HRI became the first privately-owned gaming company designated a U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal in 2021 and has since been honored threefold. Hard Rock was also honored by Forbes among the World’s Best Employers, as well as Best Employers for Women, Diversity and New Grads and a Top Large Employer in the Travel & Leisure, Gaming, and Entertainment Industry. In the 2022 Global Gaming Awards, Hard Rock was named Land-Based Operator of the Year for the second time in four years. Hard Rock International currently holds investment grades from primary investment-grade rating agencies: S&P Global Ratings (BBB) and Fitch Ratings (BBB). For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com or shop.hardrock.com.
