On Saturday, September 27 at 9:30 a.m., the Delbarton School community will come together once again for a deeply meaningful event: the Raising Hope Awareness Walk, held on Lower Abbey Field. Open to students, families, faculty, alumni, and community members, this walk stands as a powerful symbol of solidarity in the fight against suicide and the stigma surrounding mental illness.
The annual event is more than a walk, it is a movement. With suicide ranking as the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, Raising Hope is a reminder of how urgent the conversation around mental health remains. Every step taken during the walk represents a collective push toward a future that is more compassionate, informed, and proactive when it comes to mental wellness.
A Mission of Awareness, Support, and Remembrance
The goals of the Raising Hope Walk are clear and impactful:
- To break the stigma surrounding mental illness
- To shed light on the realities and facts of suicide
- To honor and remember those we have tragically lost
- To show unwavering support for families, friends, and communities affected
Participants are encouraged not only to walk, but to walk with intention, carrying with them the names, memories, and hopes of those touched by suicide. In doing so, the Delbarton community fosters a space for healing, education, and unity.
Where the Funds Go: Supporting AFSP
All proceeds from the event will be donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)—a national nonprofit that leads the charge in suicide prevention. AFSP’s initiatives span a wide range of support services and resources, including:
- Groundbreaking research into the causes and prevention of suicide
- Educational programs that equip schools, workplaces, and communities
- Support for survivors of suicide loss and those struggling with suicidal thoughts
- Public policy advocacy to ensure mental health is treated with the seriousness it deserves
By partnering with AFSP, Delbarton ensures that every dollar raised goes toward building a world that prioritizes mental well-being and provides hope for those who need it most.
Rain or Shine, Together We Walk
The 2025 Raising Hope Awareness Walk is a rain-or-shine event, underscoring the resilience and commitment of its participants. Whether under clear skies or clouds, the message remains the same: You are not alone.
Students and faculty at Delbarton have long been at the forefront of mental health advocacy within the school community. Events like this walk, as well as ongoing classroom discussions, student-led initiatives, and guest speakers, are all part of the broader mission to make Delbarton a place where wellness is taken seriously and supported with action.
How You Can Help
Even if you’re unable to attend the walk in person, there are still ways to support the cause:
- Make a donation to help Delbarton reach its fundraising goal
- Spread the word about the walk and the importance of suicide prevention
- Check in with your loved ones, sometimes a simple conversation can be life-saving
To contribute directly, click here to donate and help bring this mission closer to its goal.
Final Thoughts: A Brighter Future, Step by Step
In moments of silence, in stories shared, and in steps taken, the Raising Hope Awareness Walk creates space for reflection, healing, and progress. It is a time to remember those lost, support those struggling, and recommit ourselves to making change happen.
Come for the Walk; stay for the football game v. Seton Hall Prep!
