Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Long Island Crisis Center will host its 17th annual “Let’s Walk, Let’s Talk: Stepping Together to Prevent Suicide” along the Long Beach boardwalk on Sept. 21, — an event that continues to grow in both reach and meaning since its beginnings in 2008.
What started as a gathering in response to the suicide of an area teenager has become a community-wide movement of remembrance, awareness, and hope.
“We originally started doing this event in response to a suicide that took place in 2008,” said Tawni Engel, the associate executive director of the Bellmore-based center “At first it was just family and friends, but by 2009, we wanted to make it an annual event to bring the community together.”
The walk’s location has proven to be a significant backdrop to the event.
“We chose Long Beach not only because the boardwalk is such a beautiful setting, but also because there are very high rates of suicide in that community,” Engel explained. “It was important to address that directly.”
Over the years, the walk has grown into more than just a fundraiser — it’s become a place of healing and solidarity for those who have been directly or indirectly impacted by suicide. Families and friends come not only to honor the memory of loved ones they’ve lost, but also to find comfort in being surrounded by others who understand their grief.
At the same time, the event is designed to raise awareness about suicide prevention and to let participants know they are not alone.
“We know this is a somber topic, and many people who come have been touched by suicide in some way,” Engel said. “But we also want it to be cathartic — a day of sharing stories, supporting each other, and celebrating the lives of the people we’ve lost.”
To that end, the day features live music, raffles, and community-building activities alongside its main program. Registration opens at 10:30 a.m. at Laurelton Boulevard, with speakers beginning a half hour later. At 11:30 a.m., participants will walk two miles along the boardwalk — east and back again — at their own pace.
Last year’s walk raised more than $90,000, funding the Crisis Center’s lifesaving services, including its 24/7 crisis hotline. This year, the goal is $75,000.
“Right now, we’re about halfway there,” Engel noted. “We know times are tough financially, but every dollar helps support the Crisis Center’s mission.”
That mission has remained unchanged since the center opened its doors in 1971: to be a lifeline for anyone in crisis.
“Our tagline is ‘any problem, anytime, anyone,’” Engel said. “We run eight hotlines, and we never know what the next call will bring — it could be a child upset after a fight with a friend, or someone who is actively suicidal. Our counselors are trained to respond to anything.”
The center has named the DiTucci family as its 2025 Persons of the Year. The family lost Kari DiTucci, a wife, mother and friend, to suicide in 2014, and has since remained active in the organization’s annual walk. For more than a decade, the DiTuccis have shared their story, raised awareness about suicide prevention and joined the community each year to honor the memory of loved ones lost.
“They’ve brought so much awareness and hope to others who are grieving,” Engel said. “We felt it was important to recognize their strength and their dedication.”
Engel encourages anyone considering attending to simply show up.
“It’s a no-pressure event,” she said. “You don’t have to walk — you can just come, connect, and be part of the community. My advice is: come out. It’s a day of healing and hope.”
Those interested in joining the walk can register online at LongIslandCrisisCenter.org/TheWalk. Anyone in need of immediate support can reach the Crisis Center’s 24/7 hotline at (516) 679-1111.
