AFSP Calls for More Walkers to its Overnight Walk for Suicide Prevention to Raise $3.5 Million Goal to #StopSuicide

Comedian and mental health advocate Gary Gulman to Speak at Opening Ceremony

May, 15, 2025 (New York, NY) The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), a leading suicide prevention organization, is hosting the 30th Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk, its flagship fundraising event, on June 21, 2025, in New York City. Speaking in the opening ceremony will be acclaimed comedian Gary Gulman, known for his candid discussions about his own mental health journey and HBO special "The Great Depresh.” With a goal to raise $3.5 million, AFSP is calling on more Walkers to raise needed funds and awareness for mental health and suicide prevention while connecting with a community that understands their experiences.

"Suicide is a leading cause of death, but with greater investment in suicide prevention we can prevent loss of life from suicide. The Overnight Walk is helping to prevent suicide by bringing together people who have been personally affected by suicide and who care deeply about our cause,” said AFSP Chief Executive Officer Robert Gebbia. “When we walk The Overnight together, we are building a compassionate and caring community, supporting each other, and we are saving lives."  

We're already witnessing tremendous community support with more than 1,450 dedicated Walkers registered from cities far and wide. Each participant raises a minimum of $1,000, students and military families raise $700 and virtual participants raise $500. Walkers can expect incentives found here. Overnight participants walk over 16 miles from dusk to dawn.

This year, comedian Gary Gulman will address participants at The Overnight, bringing his authentic voice to our cause. Gulman has courageously shared his personal struggles with depression and anxiety through his critically acclaimed HBO special "The Great Depresh" and his stand-up performances, helping reduce stigma by speaking openly about his own mental health journey, hospitalization, and recovery.

“The Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk isn't just a fundraiser—it's a powerful statement that none of us walks alone in our darkest moments," said comedian Gary Gulman. “Walking together, sharing our stories, and honoring those we've lost, creates light where there was darkness.”

The Overnight is a community where all are welcome and that helps many on their journeys to find healing, solidarity and understanding. At AFSP’s Overnight, Walkers form lifelong friendships and discover a variety of ways to contribute to this cause back home. For many participants, AFSP’s walks are how they start volunteering with their community chapters.

In 2024, over 2,000 Overnight participants raised a record breaking $3.4 million dollars helping to fund evidence-informed education programs. Funds also support AFSP’s nationwide advocacy and ground-breaking research. AFSP is proud to be the largest private funder of suicide prevention research globally. This year, AFSP hopes to surpass the number of Walkers and donations raised in 2024.

The Overnight is only possible thanks to dedicated Volunteers and Crew Members. If you are  interested in donating your time to help in this event, please contact [email protected].

We can’t wait for you to join us in New York City as we walk to #StopSuicide.

REGISTER today for the 2025 Overnight Walk.

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The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 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 through public education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, with a public policy office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico, with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and TikTok.    

Media interested in comment on this news are encouraged to fill out this press request form or contact [email protected], and review AFSP’s Ethical Reporting Tips.