The Casino Association of New Jersey participated in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention‘s “Out of the Darkness Community Walk,” and raised more than $280,000.
Led by team members from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, employees from every casino property participated.
“We are so very proud that every Atlantic City casino property has united with Hard Rock to raise awareness and funding for this important cause,” Mike Sampson, general manager at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City & AFSP New Jersey Chapter board member, said. “We are extremely grateful that our efforts will help to make a difference in the lives of many and aid the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention with life-saving initiatives.”
Suicide is the 11th-leading cause of death in the U.S. In 2022, nearly 50,000 Americans died by suicide. Here in New Jersey, suicide is impacting the state’s youngest residents. According to the most recent CDC data, 94 youth ages 10 to 24 died by suicide in 2021, making it the second-leading cause of death among youth in that age range for the state. The National Institutes of Health reports 20% of children ages 3 to 17 have either a mental or a behavioral disorder. Between 2008 and 2020, suicide rates for children ages 12 to 17 increased by 16%, according to the institute.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino was the first Atlantic City casino to participate in the Out of the Darkness Community Walk over the last five years, through Sampson’s leadership. The team at Hard Rock was driven to participate annually after the group’s personal experiences with loved ones who died by suicide.
“This show of force from across our casino properties demonstrates the industry’s commitment to this vital issue,” Mark Giannantonio, president, Casino Association of New Jersey, said. “Sadly, so many families across our city, state and country know a loved one that has died by suicide, and that is why it’s so important for us to come together to raise awareness and support each other.”
“We are honored and grateful for the continued partnership with Hard Rock in the fight to prevent suicide and reduce the stigma around mental health,” Michael Lamma, AFSP executive vice president and chief operating officer, said. “With their support, the Atlantic-Cape Walk has grown to be the chapter’s largest walk, raising $7,000 in 2017 to over $278,000 last year. 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.”
