Hope for Depression Research Foundation Kicks Off the 2021 Winter Virtual Race of Hope

Drive-By Luncheon Thanks Top Donors for their Generous Support

Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF) hosted a socially- distanced Drive-By Lunch on February 4^th at the Royal Poinciana Plaza to kick off the (virtual) Third Annual Palm Beach Race of Hope, which will take place on February 27^th, 2021.  The West Courtyard of the Plaza was transformed into a yellow wonderland, recreating the charity’s signature Palm Beach Race that has been its marquee winter event since 2019.  Sunshine yellow is the signature color of the foundation, and it gave an uplifting and happy vibe to the day.   A sea of HDRF’s signature HOPE yellow balloons (recyclable and environmentally friendly) paved the way to the giant truss marking the starting line.

Adhering to the CDC guidelines, Audrey Gruss, founder and chair of HDRF, her Co-Grand Marshal Scott Snyder and Louisa Benton, Executive Director of HDRF, waved and welcomed Race of Hope committee members and sponsors as they drove through the starting line.  Each guest was then handed a delicious to-go picnic basket for two provided by Sant Ambroeus that contained a salad of tri-colored lettuce with avocado, cherry tomatoes, hearts of palm and mozzarella; focaccia panini with turkey, tomato and mozzarella; and bags of assorted biscotti.

In addition, guests received a tin of Black River Caviar Russian Oscietra, and a Frances Valentine tote bag laden with gifts.

Among the Race of Hope committee members who attended were Hilary Geary Ross, Melanie and Pauline Pitt, Felicia Taylor, Denis Coleman, Eleanora Kennedy, Lynne Wheat, Sharon Bush and Bob Murray, Tom Quick, Roger Lawson, Ellen Wilner and Clelia and Tom Zacharias. 

Corporate Sponsors also attended including Inez Fulgo Heery of Betteridge Jewelers; Hank Siegel of Hamilton Jewelers; Adam Sheffer of Pace Gallery; Susan Taylor of Impala Asset Management; Robert Riva of Sunreef Yachts and Chris Leavitt and Alison Newton of LA CLARA Luxury Residences.

“We are so grateful for the support of our Palm Beach Race of Hope Committee and Sponsors,” said Audrey Gruss.  “The need for mental health research is more important than ever due to the strain of the Covid-19 crisis on the nation’s mental health, and our Palm Beach supporters are really stepping up to meet the moment.” 

ABOUT THE VIRTUAL RACE OF HOPE – A Live Event on Saturday, February 27, 2021

Hope for Depression Research Foundation’s Winter 2021 5K Race of Hope is the same race that has been the charity’s signature winter event in Palm Beach since 2019. The only difference is that the Virtual Race allows participants to share the excitement of the starting line from a safe distance!

Here is how it works:

• Participants can view a special live Race broadcast hosted by Co-Grand Marshals Audrey Gruss and Scott Snyder on Saturday, February 27^th at 8 am ET.  Tune in on www.hopefordepression.org.
• Gruss and Snyder will welcome viewers, show messages of hope from participants across the nation, and then blow the starting gun at 8:30 am ET on the dot!
• Participants choose their own trail and receive special Race gear in the mail.  They can walk or run the distance as soon as they hear the starting gun, from wherever they are watching.

OR

• Participants can run or walk their chosen trail at any time they prefer!  Then, they can submit a photo or selfie video that could be selected to air on the Feb 27 broadcast!  Send selfies to https://www.raceofhopeseries.com/contest.

Participants also have the option to extend their race distance to 10k (6.2 miles), 15k (9.3 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles), or marathon (26.2 miles). 

Share Hope Video Contest

As a part of the Virtual Race of Hope, HDRF will hold a contest for the best Race selfie photo or video. Participants are encouraged to take a selfie featuring:

1. who they are running/walking for
2. what motivated them to join the race,
3. or just a fun photo of them running or training.

Those interested in entering should post on social media with a photo, video (15sec. max), or boomerang featuring the Race of Hope by February 13, and enter to win on the contest entry page: https://www.raceofhopeseries.com/contest. Up to 50 lucky winners will have their message of hope featured on HDRF’s social media pages leading up to and/or during the live broadcast on race day and will get a Hope for Depression Research Foundation canvas tote.

The cost to register for the Race of Hope is $40. The first 1,000 to sign up will receive a vest, runner’s bib, face mask and a four-inch 2021 Race of Hope medal. 100% of the funds raised will go directly to research that will transform the way depression is viewed, diagnosed, treated, and prevented. For more information or to register, visit: https://www.raceofhopeseries.com/.