Heartwarming Offer from NJ Casino Where Autistic Boy’s Teddy Bear Went Missing
Posted on: January 10, 2026, 11:51h.
Last updated on: January 10, 2026, 12:01h.
- A 9-year-old autistic boy lost his beloved teddy bear, Tim, during a family trip to the Hard Rock Casino in Atlantic City
- The property launched a massive search involving staff, security, and executives after the mother’s emotional Facebook plea went viral
- If Tim isn’t found before Callen’s upcoming 10th birthday, the Hard Rock will present him with an identical replacement bear
After a heartbreaking social‑media plea from a mom whose autistic 9‑year‑old son lost his cherished teddy bear, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City — where “Tim” was last seen during a New Year’s Eve family trip — has stepped up with a heartwarming show of support.
“He’s had Tim since he was a baby,” Callen’s mother, Margie Lynn, wrote in a Facebook post tagging the Hard Rock. “I thought he was in the bag and should have triple checked. My heart breaks for him. He wants to make missing person posters so someone can bring Tim home. 2026 is not starting off good.”
The post quickly gained traction, and within hours Hard Rock staff launched a property‑wide search. According to statements from the casino, housekeepers, security officers, and even executives joined the effort.
Teams combed through guest rooms, hallways, elevators, housekeeping carts, laundry areas, and the resort’s lost‑and‑found. They even checked the hotel’s signature music‑memorabilia displays and instrument cases.
“We understand how hard it is to lose a friend,” Michael Woodside, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City’s VP of marketing & entertainment said Friday in a statement.
As of now, Tim still hasn’t turned up, and the clock is ticking — Callen’s 10th birthday is January 14.
Margie Lynn says she continues to hold out hope that someone on property — or a guest who unknowingly picked him up — will return him in time for the celebration.
If not, the Hard Rock has prepared a gesture meant to soften the blow. The casino has invited Callen and his family back for a gratis birthday lunch at the Sugar Factory, where they plan to surprise him with a special gift.
“This is very near and dear to our heart,” Hard Rock Atlantic City president George Goldhoff said. “And if we can’t get Callen his Tim back, we want to introduce a replacement bear — a cousin in Tim’s family.”
Meantime, the search continues, and both the family and the casino hope that Tim will somehow find his way home.
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