Grier Hammond Henchy, the daughter of Brooke Shields, acted as Co-Teen Grand Marshal. Grier is following in her mother’s advocacy footsteps, as Brooke herself was honored by HDRF in 2009 for speaking openly about her experience with depression.  

NBC’s Morning News Now anchor Savannah Sellers was this year’s Race Emcee and Soul Cycle Master Instructor Stacey Griffith, mental health advocate, and influencer on social media, spun her signature playlists as the DJ for the second year in a row. Her music energized the crowd, as they prepared and cheered for the Race to begin against the backdrop of New York Harbor.

Sellers said: “We are focused on people who are the same age as a lot of you who are here, and some of the statistics around this are just so startling.” She continued, “The fact that one in three teens say that they persistently feel sad or hopeless. Same with each day, about 4,000 children and teens attempt suicide…This is something that we can work to change by doing things like what you’re doing today.”

HDRF Founding Chair Audrey Gruss also took the podium before the Race to acknowledge the teens for their support and commitment to mental health awareness and speak about the foundation’s core mission.

Gruss said: “One of HDRF’s main goals is to bring awareness to and educate people about depression, anxiety, and all the related mood disorders. The second part of our mission is to raise funds for the most advanced neuroscience research to find out what causes depression, new treatments, and how to prevent it.”

Hayden Lucas, a senior at Dwight High School on the Upper West Side, and Noelle Saldana, a junior at Fieldston School in the Bronx, were Lead Student Ambassadors, and also Co-Teen Grand Marshals alongside Grier Henchy. Noelle will be taking over for Hayden as the new leader of the HDRF Student Ambassador Program, a group of twenty teens from schools all across the city who are empowered by HDRF to engage in their communities to raise awareness about the Teen Race of Hope.

Lucas said: “Today, hundreds of participants are here to make a difference, not only for medical research that we help fund, but also in coming together to create this community of care surrounding mental health.”

Saldana said: “Every step we take today is a step towards a more understanding world. We are showing that together we can create a future where mental health is prioritized, where no one has to face their struggles alone, and where hope is always within reach.”

The state of teen mental health across the nation is more urgent than ever before. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 15 to 19 and almost 4,000 children and teens attempt suicide every day. 

Before the Race began, an Ambassador from NYC Teenspace/Talkspace spoke about their program which was established by the New York Department of Health and Powered by Talkspace to bring free therapy sessions to teens aged 13-17. Event participants were encouraged to sign up that day.

The Teen Race of Hope is a 5K (3.1 mile) U.S. Track and Field-certified race.  At the starting gun, Grier, Hayden, and Noelle led participants, all sporting HDRF’s signature sunshine yellow color with matching caps and t-shirts, on a beautiful 5K (3.1-mile) course starting at Pier 76 Hudson River Park and continuing along the esplanade with stunning views of the Hudson River.  A sampling of the schools represented included: Chapin, Dalton, Dwight, Fieldston School, Grace Church, John Bowne, Nightingale-Bamford, Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics, Marymount, Phillips Exeter Academy, Red Bank Catholic, Renaissance Charter School, Speyer Legacy, Stuyvesant, and Trevor Day School.

Some participants ran competitively, while others walked or strolled with friends. No matter their speed or age, all the racers united in a common purpose – to support research into new treatments for depression and to fight the stigma still associated with seeking help.

The even, is HDRF’s only Race of Hope in New York City and the first one to be youth- focused. HDRF also has held an annual Race of Hope in Palm Beach, FL and Southampton, NY.

At the close of the Race, Audrey Gruss presented awards to the top finishers.  First prize for Top Male Finisher went to Matteo Ruiz (17:28.81), and first prize for the Top Female Finisher went to Mariam Ashamsi (24:48.94).  

Second placefor Top Male Finisher went to Arturo Puerto (18:55.50) and second placefor the Top Female Finisher went to Maggie Clancy (24:48.94), third place for Top Male Finisher went to Bentley Ferraina (20:14.26), andthird place for the Top Female Finisher went to Vivian Yim (24:48.94).

HDRF Executive Director Louisa Benton then took the stage to thank all the Student Ambassadors and present two special awards to the Co-Lead Student Ambassadors, Hayden Lucas and Noelle Saldana.

All Race participants received a commemorative t-shirt, race hat, race bib and huge ­finisher medal. The first, second, and third place winners received medals based on the winnings.

The Teen Race of Hope was supported by a team of  Student Ambassadors including Mia Abramson, Marni Arons, Anysa Bickici, Alva Carlston, Ethan Criollo, Hannah Diker, Sophie Higgins, Abigail Kidd, Tanner Klipstein, Hayden Lucas, Ruby McKillips, Summer Nelson, Sophia Rossi, Noelle Saldana, Bryan Samaniego, Gui Sequiera, Ai Vy Shulman, Jennifer Tatu, and Sienna Vadi.

HDRF has been a leader in research since 2006, convening top brain researchers from different universities to pool data and expertise to find new and better treatments for anxiety and depression.     HDRF also works to raise awareness of depression as a medical illness and to educate the public about the facts of depression and remove the stigma that still surrounds it.

5K Race of Hope Sponsors

NYC Teenspace/Talkspace, Balmain Paris, PWR Lift, Scotts Protein Balls, Montauk Iced Tea, Hudson River Park.

About Hope for Depression Research Foundation:

HDRF was founded in 2006 by philanthropist Audrey Gruss in memory of her mother Hope, who struggled with clinical depression. The mission of the HDRF is to spur the most innovative brain research into the origins, medical diagnosis, new treatments, and prevention of depression and its related mood disorders – bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorder, and suicide. The World Health Organization has declared depression as the leading cause of disability worldwide, and yet conventional medications today are outdated and do not fully work for 50% of patients.  HDRF is working tirelessly to improve the mental health landscape for every American.  The Foundation has provided more than $75 million through over 200 grants for breakthrough depression research that promises to transform the way depression is viewed, diagnosed, treated and prevented. Currently, HDRF has a potential new class of medication in pilot clinical trials at Mount Sinai Medical Center, and Stanford University. HDRF is also funding clinical trials into other novel therapeutics and diagnostic tests at Johns Hopkins, University of San Diego, and the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  

The post Audrey Gruss’ Hope for Depression Research Foundation’s Second Annual Teen Race of Hope appeared first on NY UNDRESSED.

HDRF created Teen Race to provide teens and their families with a screen-free occasion to connect, be active, and raise mental health awareness.  The event is organized with a working group of teen leaders from different public and private schools throughout New York City. 

HDRF hosts a Race of Hope annually in Palm Beach and Southampton, but the Teen Race of Hope is specifically focused on what experts say is an alarming collapse of adolescent mental health in the United States. 

Hayden Lucas, a senior at Dwight High School on the Upper West Side, serves as Lead Student Ambassador.  Noelle Saldana, a junior at Fieldston School in the Bronx, will join Hayden as Co-Lead Student Ambassador. 

“We want to reach far into our City’s communities to empower teens to openly discuss mental health and reinforce their sense of community,” Lucas said.

“As teens we need to recognize the signs of depression and do what we can do to support our peers,” added Saldana.

Lucas and Saldana will be joined by 19 student ambassadors from throughout the city, as they lead participants on a beautiful 5K (3.1) mile route along the Hudson River esplanade and public piers.  Schools represented include:  Chapin, Dalton, Dwight, Fieldston School, Grace Church, John Bowne, Nightingale-Bamford, Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics, Marymount, Phillips Exeter Academy, Red Bank Catholic, Renaissance Charter School, Speyer Legacy, Stuyvesant, and Trevor Day School.

While some participants will choose to run this event competitively, others will opt to walk or stroll with their friends.   No matter their age or speed, all racers are united in a common purpose – to support research into new treatments for depression and to fight the stigma still associated with seeking help.

The state of teen mental health is urgent, with a surge in depression and anxiety among our youth.  More than one in three high school students reported feeling persistent sadness and hopelessness, a 40% increase since 2009, according to a recent national survey. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 15 to 19; and almost 4,000 children and teens attempt suicide every day.  

The working committee of Teen Race Ambassadors includes: Mia Abramson, Marni Arons, Anysa Bickici, Alva Carlston, Ethan Criollo, Hannah Diker, Sophie Higgins, Abigail Kidd, Tanner Klipstein, Ruby McKillips, Hayden Lucas, Summer Nelson, Sophia Rossi, Noelle Saldana, Bryan Samaniego, Gui Sequiera, Ai Vy Shulman, Jennifer Tatu, and Sienna Vadi.

5K Race of Hope Sponsors

Balmain Paris, Hudson River Park

Participants include professional and first-time runners, teens, school teams families, and children.  Strollers and dogs are welcome.  To participate, please visit https://www.nycteen.raceofhopeseries.com/

First 550 registrants receive a commemorative t-shirt, race hat, race bib and huge ­finisher medal; and medals are awarded for best time in different age categories as well as for the top individual fundraiser and top fundraising team.

Registration Information:

·       Date: Sunday, May 19, 2024

·       Meeting Point: Pier 76, Hudson River Park at 408 12^th Ave West, Manhattan, NY 10018

• Time: Race starts at 10:00 AM ET
• Cost: Student – $17.50/ Adult – $27.50
• Strollers and Dogs welcome

About Hope for Depression Research Foundation:

HDRF was founded in 2006 by philanthropist Audrey Gruss in memory of her mother Hope, who struggled with clinical depression. The mission of the HDRF is to spur the most innovative brain research into the origins, medical diagnosis, new treatments, and prevention of depression and its related mood disorders – bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorder, and suicide. The World Health Organization has declared depression as the leading cause of disability worldwide, and yet conventional medications today are outdated and do not fully work for 50% of patients.  HDRF is working tirelessly to improve the mental health landscape for every American.  The Foundation has provided more than $75 million through over 200 grants for breakthrough depression research that promises to transform the way depression is viewed, diagnosed, treated and prevented. Currently, HDRF has a potential new class of medication in pilot clinical trials at Mount Sinai Medical Center, and Stanford University. HDRF is also funding clinical trials into other novel therapeutics and diagnostic tests at Johns Hopkins, University of San Diego, and the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  

The post Hope for Depression Research Foundation’s Second Annual NYC Teen Race of Hope May 19th appeared first on NY UNDRESSED.

The festive event raised a new record of $900,000 for HDRF’s advanced life-saving mental health research into new treatments for clinical depression.  The presenting sponsor for the event was Findlay Galleries.

HDRF Founding Chair Audrey Gruss and Board member Scott Snyder, both Palm Beach residents, served as the Co-Grand Marshals of the 5K walk/run, which started at 8 AM at Bradley Park in Palm Beach. 

“We are thrilled to see so many people come out in support of mental health research,” said Gruss. “I am constantly in awe of our Palm Beach community and their unwavering support for HDRF’s mission to defeat depression.”

She added, “One hundred percent, every penny from today’s race will go directly to life-saving depression research.”

At the starting gun, participants set off to complete the 3.1-mile course starting at Bradley Park, as they took in the beautiful views of the Palm Beach Lake Trail.

Lining up in the start corrals were professional runners, walkers, families with children and dogs, and teams from local businesses such as Livingston Builders, Le Bilboquet, Environment Design Group, Psychiatry of the Palm Beaches, Pure Skin Palm Beach, GEO Group and Marble of the World.

All race participants wore hats, shirts and jackets in HDRF’s signature yellow, creating a sea of sunshine with blue skies and palm trees as their backdrop. The Race of Hope is a USA Track and Field-sanctioned event. 

At the close of the Race, Audrey Gruss presented Awards to the top finishers and to the top fundraisers.  The top Overall Male winner was Sean Clark, and the top Overall Female winner was Niki Desjardin. The Award for Top Fundraising Team went to Team Will, which raised nearly $15,000. The Award for Top Individual Fundraiser from the PB Race of Hope Committee went to Mona Nasser, who raised nearly $6,000. The Award for the Top Captain of the Largest Team went to Team Run for Chey with 39 members.

The Race Director then took the floor to hand out the awards for the other finishers.Second Place for best male time went to Brandon Smith and Second Place for the best female time went to Lilia Drew, Third Place for best male time went to Daniel Yinh andThird Place for the best female time went to Bethany Clark. The top three Overall Masters awards for the male division went to Joe Rodbard for First Place, Eric Capostagno for Second Place and Regis Smeltz for Third Place. The top three Overall Masters awards for the female division went to Shannon Fox for First Place, Stephanie Stevens for Second Place and Emily Helter for Third Place. The Age Division winners included G. Zoumas and E. Lofaso for 12 and under, Sam Frackelton and Coral Sky for 13-15, Noah Debomy and Mackena Gerard for 16-19, Sam Mahlman and Suman Sonty for 20-24, Mathew Hancock and Carly Herbert for 25-29,  Matthew Oleszczuk and Kelli Sullivan 30-34, Duniel Viera and Andrea Filippelli for 35-39, Benjamin Sundstrom and Jill Mahler for 40-44, Leon Pulido and Shannon Duff for 45-49, Scott Olenski and Lauren Stocker for 50-54, Paul Martin and Shelley Flowers for 55-59, Douglas Landau and Wendy Ponvert for 60-64, Tony Candy and Donna May for 65-69, Victor Vasquez and Carol Hassell for 70-74, and Harold Rosen and Susan Robbins for 75 plus.

Committee Race participants included: Alina De Almeida & John Paulson, Louisa Benton, Kim S. Fennebresque, Jamee & Peter Gregory, Martin Gruss, Charles & Kaaren Hale, Yaz & Valentín Hernández, Travis Howe & Mario Nievera, Eleanora Kennedy, Melanie & Roger Lawson, Simone Levinson, Kamie Lightburn, Carole Moran, Teresa & James Remez, Joanna Roland, Jill & Matt Schecter, Scott Snyder, Ginny & David Sydorick, Nicholas Varney and Nancy Yanofsky & Ed Brown.

Junior Committee participants included: Zoë Bullock Cacioppo, Nathan Coe, David-William Coffin, Sarah Cooke, Amanda & Tony Cummings, Samantha Curry, Jennifer Gowdy, Katherine Lande & Kevin Condon, Stacey Leuliette and David-William Coffin, Bryan Ludwig, Elizabeth and Homer Marshman III, Devon McCready, Nick Mele, Mona Nasser, Matt Oleszczuk, Hollis Bradley Pica, Jack Rooney, Kirsten Smith, Ivy Sophir, Jane Stevens, Alanna Sutherland, Eric Viner, Grace & Tally Walker, Sarah & Andrew Wetenhall.

The Palm Beach Race of Hope Committee:

Race of Hope Co-Grand Marshals: Audrey Gruss and Scott Snyder 

Diamond Level Committee: Kelly & Carlo Barel Di Sant ‘Albano, Holly Bartlett, Perri & Robert Bishop, James Borynack & Adolfo Zaralegui, Marvin H. Davidson Foundation Inc., Laura & Brent Nicklas, Teresa & James Remez, Diana Wister

Platinum Level Committee: Annabelle and Denis Coleman, The Philippe and Deborah Dauman Foundation, Kim S. Fennebresque, Jamee & Peter Gregory, Charles & Kaaren Hale, John Hendrickson, Simone Levinson, Caroline & Omeed Malik, Nicola & Jeffrey Marcus, Alina De Almeida & John Paulson, Thomas C. Quick & Michael Donnell, Pat Ryan, Barbera Hale Thornhill, Lynne Wheat, Yafa Signed Jewelers

Gold Level Committee: Pamela Cohen & Nick Korniloff, Julie & Mike Connors, Gita & Mark Costa, Jacqueline W. Drake, The Honorable David Fischer & Jennifer Fischer, Cindy & Chris Galvin, Yaz & Valentín Hernández, Tania & Brian Higgins, Ann F. Jeffery, Y Michele Kang, Melanie & Roger Lawson, Petra Levin, Ambassador & Mrs. John L. Loeb, Jr., Stephanie Loeffler, Robert F. Mancuso, Bonnie McElveen-Hunter & Gil Kemp, Heidi & Tom McWilliams, John & Carole Moran, Travis Howe & Mario Nievera, Pam & Ed Pantzer, Jeffrey Pfeifle & David Granville, Sallie B Phillips Foundation, Marzia Precoda and Lauren Roberts, Tricia Quick, Ginny & David Sydorick, Nancy Yanofsky & Ed Brown

Silver Level Committee Dominique Buaron, Bruce Bierman & William Secord, Cece Black, Geoffrey N. Bradfield, Frances Fisher, Susie & Vere Gaynor, Hilary Geary Ross, Ann Grimm, Joseph Hernandez, Jayne T. Keith, Eleanora Kennedy, Kamie Lightburn, The Honorable & Mrs. Earle Mack, Suzanne Merrill, Muffy & Donald Miller, Sharon Bush & Robert C. Murray, Lucia N. Musso, Deborah L. Okain, Joanna Roland, Frances G. Scaife, Mary E. Snow, Betsy & Wally Turner, Nicholas Varney, Lis Waterman, Clelia & Tom Zacharias, David Zislin

Palm Beach Race of Hope Junior Committee:

Chairman: PJ Quick Pollack

Co-Chairs: Callie Baker Holt, Katherine Lande & Kevin Condon, Mona Nasser, Hollis Bradley Pica, Kameron Ramirez, Casey Taylor, Sarah & Andrew Wetenhall

Committee: Bettina Anderson, Zoë Bullock Cacioppo, Nathan Coe, David-William Coffin, Sarah Cooke, Amanda & Tony Cummings, Samantha Curry, Clementine Goutal, Jennifer Gowdy, Maggi Haigh, Stacey Leuliette, Bryan Ludwig, Elizabeth H. Marshman, Devon McCready, Nick Mele, Turner & Mike Mistretta, Matt Oleszczuk, Jack Rooney, Whitney Lovell Schott, Kirsten Smith, Ivy Sophir, Jane Stevens, Alanna Sutherland, Eric Viner, Grace & Tally Walker

Sponsors: Findlay Galleries, Balmain, Livingston Builders, Robert and Perri Bishop Foundation, Gucci, Saks, Loro Piana, JP Morgan Private Bank, Yafa Signed Jewelers, Press Ganey, Coastal Gardens, Hamilton Jewelers, Marissa Collections, Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary,  The GEO Group, INC, Marble of the World, Smith & Elkin, CPA’s, P.A., Environment Design Group, Psychiatry of the Palm Beaches, Gunster, Kirna Zabete, Acanthus International, Le Bilboquet, FIVESTORY, Hamptons, Veronica Beard, PALMER, Tammy Fender, Palm Beach Illustrated and Palm Beach Atlantic University.

About Hope for Depression Research Foundation

HDRF was founded in 2006 by philanthropist Audrey Gruss in memory of her mother Hope, who struggled with clinical depression. The mission of the HDRF is to spur the most innovative brain research into the origins, medical diagnosis, new treatments, and prevention of depression and its related mood disorders – bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorder, and suicide. The World Health Organization has declared depression as the leading cause of disability worldwide, and yet conventional medications today are outdated and do not fully work for 50% of patients.  HDRF is working tirelessly to improve the mental health landscape for every American.  The Foundation has provided more than $75 million through over 200 grants for breakthrough depression research that promises to transform the way depression is viewed, diagnosed, treated and prevented. Currently, HDRF has a potential new class of medication in pilot clinical trials at Mount Sinai Medical Center, and Stanford University. HDRF is also funding clinical trials into other novel therapeutics and diagnostic tests at Johns Hopkins, University of San Diego, and the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  

The post Hope for Depression Research Foundation Raises $900,000 For 6th Anniversary of Palm Beach Race of Hope appeared first on NY UNDRESSED.

The event, entitled “Resilience: Emerging Stronger from Life’s Greatest Challenges,” drew more than 300 attendees and raised over $700,000 for life-saving mental health research.   

The day included a major announcement of new discoveries by HDRF’s acclaimed Depression Task Force, a collaboration of top neuroscientists who are pooling expertise and data to find urgently needed new treatments and diagnostics for depression. 

The event also featured a heartfelt award ceremony, where acclaimed actress and producer Dakota Johnson accepted the2023 HOPE Award for Depression Advocacy. Other awardees were Sage Therapeutics, which received the HOPE Corporate Visionary Award; and Michael Dudgeon, who received the HOPE Community Award for his commitment to funding advanced depression research.  

Among the guests were Brooke Shields, a former HOPE Award recipient (2009), and her daughter Grier Henchy, who as a Teen Race of Hope Ambassador is continuing in her mother’s advocacy footsteps.

Master of Ceremonies, Chuck Scarborough began by welcoming guests and then introduced keynote speaker, Dr. Dennis Charney, Dean of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and President for Academic Affairs for the Mount Sinai Health System. 

Dr. Dennis Charney has made significant contributions to the understanding of human anxiety and depression, and is the author of Resilience: The Science of Mastering Life’s Greatest Challenges  with Steven Southwick and Jonathan DePierro.

The book is based on extensive research with trauma survivors, such as prisoners of war who were subject to torture in Vietnam.  In his remarks, Charney shared ways to build resilience which he covers in the book, including: developing optimism, finding a supportive network, embracing a moral compass, creating positive statements about oneself, and attending to physical well-being. 

In addition, Dr. Charney shared his own personal story when he had to put resilience factors to the test after being shot by a former faculty member at Mount Sinai.  He spent weeks recovering in the I.C.U.

“Realistic optimism is key – you need to know what you are facing and not be Pollyanna about it,” he said. “But also have faith that you will prevail.”

He added, “It’s important to accept what happened without blaming yourself, and then work to get stronger.”

Charney added that finding inspiration in music was critical for him.  He listened almost non-stop to Bruce Springsteen’s “Stronger than the Rest.”

In conclusion, Charney touched on the resilience of New York City to bounce back after the 9/11 attack and Hurricane Sandy.  He said he believes New York is a resilient city because of its immigrant population and heritage of survival and grit. 

Another guest featured in the program was Dr. Kafui Dzirasa, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University and a member of HDRF’s Depression Task Force.  Dzirasa gave brief remarks on how the study of depression can specifically benefit from machine learning techniques.

“The brain has over 200 billion cells and by understanding their electrical patterns, we can find new diagnostics and treatments for mental illness,” he said.  “Artificial intelligence allows us analyze billions of electrical signals at once and find coherent patterns.”

HDRF Founder and Chair Audrey Gruss took the stage to speak about the exciting progress of the acclaimed HDRF Depression Task Force.

“When I formed HDRF, my vision was to create a think tank to defeat depression, where some of the greatest neuroscientists on the planet could collaborate in a way that breaks the traditional mold of academic research,” Gruss said.  “The field was stuck, so we hoped that by working together, we would provide real results faster.” 

To unveil major research results, Gruss then introduced Dr. Eric Nestler, Chair of the HDRF Depression Task Force and Director of the Friedman Brain Institute at Mount Sinai.   Nestler announced that the DTF’s research had identified 20 promising genetic targets for developing new antidepressants.  All of these gene targets were narrowed down from a field of over 20,000 human genes over the past ten years, and have been extensively validated for their role in depression.  The 20 new targets are now ready to go to proof of concept clinical trials. 

HDRF Executive Director Louisa Benton then took the podiumto discuss HDRF’s community outreach and education efforts. She highlighted HDRF’s Race of Hope 5K in Palm Beach and Southampton, as well as the Teen Race of Hope in NYC in May, and several mental health symposiums throughout the year for the general public. 

Mike Dudgeon accepted the 2023 Hope Community Award for his unwavering commitment to mental health research and support for HDRF.  In his poignant remarks, Dudgeon said that the impetus for funding depression research was the death by suicide of his 20-year-old son in 2020.  He hoped to find new cures for severe depression that shatters lives and families.  

Sage Therapeutics, Inc. a biopharmaceutical company on a mission to deliver potentially life-changing brain health medicines, received the 2023 HOPE Corporate Visionary Award. Earlier this year, Sage introduced a breakthrough new treatment for postpartum depression to the market, the first and only oral treatment option for women specifically with Post Partum Depression. 

Sage Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Mike Quirk said, “We are here to celebrate the power and importance of neuroscience research in transforming the lives of people living with mental illness.”

Audrey Gruss then presented Dakota Johnson with the HOPE Award for Depression Advocacy.  

“We are honoring Dakota because she has spoken candidly and openly in the media about her experience with depression and anxiety since being a teenager, “said Gruss.   “This kind of candor and sharing is part of the answer to the complex crisis of depression.”

In her remarks, Dakota Johnson moved the audience with her authenticity and humor.   She opened by quipping that she was honored to receive the award for best depressed person. After the audience’s laughter died down, she said she was inspired by the work of the Depression Task Force to defeat depression, because her first-hand knowledge of depression is that there are no immediate answers or cures. 

She spoke about the value of therapy and medication in her journey with depression.  In addition, she practices transcendental meditation every day, and finds great relief in deep tissue massage, breath work, yoga, and swimming in natural water.

“I fully support needing the assistance of more urgent help, like the temporary use of SSRIs and EMDR or brain spotting, which I find to be incredibly amazing. As long as you are not harming yourself or others, whatever helps you, helps you.”

She concluded: “Removing the stigma of anxiety and depressive disorders and the means to help them is essential. We are in too much trouble as a human race to feel further isolated by the brain chemistry and complexities of the mind that we are born with, or the life experiences that we may not have chosen given the state of the world. If we help each other understand that caring for our mental health is essential, perhaps that will turn practicing self-love and self-compassion into a vital part of living. And then perhaps that will radiate compassion and love for each other and the Other, and then the world we live in will also become a vital part of living.” .

This year’s Event Co-Chairs included Susan Gutfreund, Maru Hagerty, Gillian Hearst, Kim Heirston, Tania Higgins, Eleanora Kennedy, Kristen Maltese Krusen, Susan R. McCaw, Kitty and Bill McKnight, Peter S. Paine III, Barbara and Randall Smith, and Scott Snyder. 

Each year, the HOPE Luncheon Seminar is held at the Plaza Hotel in New York City and is attended by over 300 New York philanthropists, asset managers, business and media professionals, socialites, and celebrities who gather to raise awareness about depression and its related mood disorders as well as funds for continued research. 

Founder Sponsors: EGL Charitable Foundation

Benefactor Sponsors: Brian Flaherty, Christina Flaherty, Annemarie Flaherty Shea & Max Shea, Abraham Fuchsberg Family Foundation, Richard S. and Karen LeFrak Foundation, Paulson Family Foundation and SAGE Therapeutics.

Diamond Sponsors: James R. Borynack & Adolfo Zaralegui/ FINDLAY GALLERIES, Jamee & Peter Gregory, Tania Higgins, Kristen Maltese Krusen, Susan R. McCaw, Thomas C. Quick and Barbara & Randall Smith. 

Patron Donors: Nancy & Edmund M. Dunst / HUB International Northeast, Mary Ann Fribourg, Susan Gutfreund, Maru M. Hagerty, Gillian Hearst, Kim M. Heirston, Ambassador Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, Sheila & Bob Josephberg, JP Morgan Private Bank, Eleanora Kennedy, Michele & Howard Kessler, Judy & Leonard Lauder, Kitty & Bill McKnight, Peter S. Paine III, Scott Snyder, Lulu C. Wang, The Shoreland Foundation, Sarah. J. Wetenhall and Lynne Wheat.

Friend Donors: Bloomberg Philanthropies, Laura Louise Breyer, Jackie Weld Drake, The Honorable David Fischer & Jennifer Fischer, Dr. Sharon Giese, Dr. Ernst & Nataly Langner, Susan Lloyd Lundbeck, The Honorable & Mrs. Earle I Mack, Stephanie Olmsted, Betsy Pitts, Roberts & Holland LLP, and Julia Ryan.

Gold Level Donors: Carl B. Adams, Catherine Adler, Mark Antilety, Muffie Potter Aston, Paola Bacchini, Barbara Bancroft, Felice & Shelley Bergman, Judy & Howard Berkowitz, Bruce Bierman & William Secord,

CeCe Black, Geoffrey N. Bradfield, Dominique Buaron, Janna Bullock, Joanna Carson, Myron Cohen & Federman Steifman, LLP, Diane Conn, Pilar Crespi Robert, Gus N. Davis, Deborah Farrington, Marjorie S. Federbush, Firmenich Inc., Frances & Jeff Fisher, Lionel Geneste, Jillian Gilmour, Darcy M. Gould, Lisa Granozio, Jessica Gruss, Mai Hallingby Harrison, Carolyn Ryan Healey, Linda Hickox, Michael Kahn & Charles Mitchem, Karen Klopp, Margo Langenberg, David Lapham, Bonnie Lautenberg, Simone Levinson, Tyler Lucas, David Lynch Foundation, Christine Mack, Ann & Cameron MacRae, Stewart S. Manger, Alberto Mariaca, Kristina Grimm McCooey, Heidi McWilliams, Muffy & Donald Miller, Diana Morrison, The Nederlander Producing Company of America, Inc., Anne Nordeman, Deborah Norville, Jane & Richard Novick, Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, Constance Paine, Pamela & Edward Pantzer, Stacey Pashcow, Marina Pellecchi, Kathy Prounis, Olga Reindlova Neulist, Darcy Rigas, Barbara Robinson, Frances G. Scaife, Chuck Scarborough, Nancy Schaffel, Mary Eastman Scott, Jean Shafiroff, Catherine & Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff, Ramona Singer, Valerie Sloan & Sean T. Dany, Mary E. Snow, Amanda Taylor, Roxann G. Taylor, Barbera Thornhill, Lance P. Toland, Betsy & Wallace Turner, Lis Waterman, Pamela P. Williams, Barbara Winston, Clelia & Thomas Zacharias, David Zislin, Silvia Zoullas, and Maria Zoullas-Kaufman.

Gift Bag Sponsors: 4imprint,Cambridge University Press, Compendium, Eric Javits inc., The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., Fishers Finery, Hope Fragrances and Sio.

ABOUT HOPE FOR DEPRESSION RESEARCH FOUNDATION (HDRF)

HDRF was founded in 2006 by philanthropist Audrey Gruss in memory of her mother Hope, who struggled with clinical depression. The mission of the HDRF is to spur the most innovative brain research into the origins, medical diagnosis, new treatments, and prevention of depression and its related mood disorders – bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorder, and suicide. The World Health Organization has declared depression as the leading cause of disability worldwide, and yet conventional medications today are outdated and do not fully work for 50% of patients.  HDRF is working tirelessly to improve the mental health landscape for every American.  The Foundation has provided more than $75 million through over 200 grants for breakthrough depression research that promises to transform the way depression is viewed, diagnosed, treated and prevented. Currently, HDRF has a potential new class of medication in pilot clinical trials at Mount Sinai Medical Center, and Stanford University. HDRF is also funding clinical trials into other novel therapeutics and diagnostic tests at Johns Hopkins, University of San Diego, and the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  

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During the Week, stores throughout Southampton display a large, yellow HOPE balloon (environmentally safe and recyclable) in front of their doors, transforming sidewalks into a sea of sunshine to raise mental health awareness.

Over 100 businesses are part of the Week of Hope, including Loveshack Fancy, Ovando, Poupette St. Barth, and Veronica Beard, a major HDRF sponsor.  The mayor will join HDRF Founder and Chair Audrey Gruss, a longtime Southampton resident, to place the first balloon in front of the Veronica Beard store (84B Main Street, Southampton) at 10 am.  

“I’m delighted Mayor Manger will continue the tradition started by his predecessors to support this mental health campaign,” said Gruss.  “Southampton is leading the way on Long Island by embracing mental health, one of the most important health issues of our day.”

Of course, after Mayor Manger and Audrey Gruss set the first balloon, there are hundreds more to go! For that, HDRF will get the help of a cadre of teen athletes from Southampton High School and their track coach Eddie Arnold, who will spend the morning setting up the rest of the balloons around the village.

“We’re so excited to be part of this effort,” said Arnold.  “This is a festive and fun way for the youth in our community to be advocates for a critical cause that is sadly very prevalent in teens right now.”

Along with the HOPE balloon display, participating stores will have special hand-outs provided by HDRF with the latest information on depression in the U.S. and how to spot signs and symptoms. 

The Week of Hope began in 2018 to serve as the lead-up to HDRF’s signature summer event, the Race of Hope 5K to Defeat Depression.  This year the Week culminates in the 8th Annual Southampton Race of Hope on Sunday, August 6 at 8:30 AM around Lake Agawam.  The Race attracts over 500 participants from the tri-state area and beyond to unite as a community and raise mental health awareness and fund depression research.

The Co-Grand Marshals of the Race of Hope are Audrey Gruss and Arthur Dunnam, who is an HDRF Advisory Board member and resides in East Hampton.

The Teen Grand Marshals of the Race are Grier Hammond Henchy, the 17-year-old daughter of Brooke Shields, and Hayden Lucas, an NYC high school senior and leader of the newly formed HDRF Teen Task Force.   

Gruss said: “As we launch our Week and Race of Hope, we recognize the staggering statistics around depression and suicide in the United States. HDRF is working tirelessly to find solutions by focusing on education and research into novel treatments.” 

100% of revenues from the Race go to groundbreaking research into the root causes of depression in the brain and new and better treatments. To sign up or learn more, please visit the website at hopefordepression.org 

The Week of Hope also offers several other events to raise awareness and funds for depression research.  On Friday, August 4, HDRF  hosts the Hope Summer Seminar “How to Talk to Friends and Family About Mental Health,” with acclaimed psychiatrist Dr. Samantha Boardman at the Southampton Arts Center at 11 am. 

From July 27-August 6, the Veronica Beard store on Main Street will hold Shop for Hope – with ten percent of all purchases going to HDRF’s life-saving research. 

The Week of Hope, in conjunction with the Race of Hope, has helped to raise over $1 million for advanced depression research. The Race is supported by local residents including Janna Bullock, Arthur Dunnam and Roy Cohen, Alan Glatt, Jamee and Peter Gregory, Mai Hallingby Harrison, Kim Heirston, Tania Higgins, Natasha Jeffries, Leonard and Judy Lauder, Sharon and John Loeb, Jr., Anne and Jacques Nordeman, Kathy Prounis, Hilary Geary Ross, Nancy Silverman, and Lis Waterman.

Week of Hope participating business owners to date include: 27 Hampton Salon, Aboff’s paint, Bean2tween, Breezin Up, Cheese Shoppe, Corwin Jewelers, egg New York, Flying Point Surf Shop, Fowler’s Garden Center, Geary Gubbins Sports / Gubbin Running Ahead, Herrick Hardware, Hidden Gem, Hildreth’s, Jennifer Miller, Johnny Was, Laviano, Loveshack Fancy, Main Street Optics, Ovando, Paul Stuart, Poupette St. Barth, Roberta Roller Rabbit, Rogers Memorial Library, Saunders, Shari’s Place, Southampton Inn, Southampton Publick House, Southrifty Drug Co., The 1708 House, Veronica Beard, and WM Rugs. 

ABOUT HOPE FOR DEPRESSION RESEARCH FOUNDATION (HDRF)

HDRF was founded in 2006 by philanthropist Audrey Gruss in memory of her mother Hope, who struggled with clinical depression. The mission of the HDRF is to spur the most innovative brain research into the origins, medical diagnosis, new treatments, and prevention of depression and its related mood disorders – bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorder, and suicide. 

The World Health Organization has declared depression as the leading cause of disability worldwide, and yet conventional medications today are outdated and do not fully work for 50% of patients.  HDRF is working tirelessly to improve the mental health landscape for every American.  The Foundation has provided more than $50 million through over 200 grants for breakthrough depression research that promises to transform the way depression is viewed, diagnosed, treated and prevented. Currently, HDRF has a potential new class of medication in pilot clinical trials at Mount Sinai Medical Center, Columbia University, and Stanford University. HDRF is also funding clinical trials into other novel therapeutics and diagnostic tests at Johns Hopkins, University of San Diego, and the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 

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The invitation-only kickoff reception was hosted by HDRF Founder and Chair Audrey Gruss and Elizabeth Meigher, Chair of the newly formed committee, an energetic group of young professionals and parents dedicated to the future of mental health care in their communities.

Elizabeth Meigher said: “Depression is something that in some form touches everybody and it’s something that’s affected me, so thank you all for being here tonight. Since the pandemic, depression directly affects one out of three Americans and indirectly affects everybody.”

Meigher then introduced a short video, where HDRF’s acclaimed Depression Task Force, an international consortium of top neuroscientists from different universities, who are compiling data and expertise to accelerate research, shared the organization’s vital mission.

Audrey Gruss said: “Our Depression Task Force’s collaborative effort has led to a potential major new category of drug to go to clinical trial, and is being tested at Mount Sinai, Columbia and Stanford University. This new drug can potentially help the 35-50% of people who don’t respond to the conventional medications available today. Preliminary results from the trial are amazing, with over 80% of our trial patients reporting remission from their depression.”

The evening welcomed over 125 guests, as they connected over their commitment to raise mental health awareness, and rallied member support for the upcoming annual HOPE Luncheon seminar to be held November 9^th at the Plaza Hotel. This year, the luncheon will focus on Teens and Depression: Addressing the Youth Mental Health Crisis and honor gold medalist Aly Raisman, as well as philanthropists and generous supporters of HDRF, Jamee and Peter Gregory. Proceeds from the HOPE Luncheon will fund groundbreaking research into the root causes of depression in the brain and new and better treatments.

Led by Chair Elizabeth Meigher, the Junior Committee Co-Chairs included Krista & James Corl, Lindsay Creedon, Nicole Hanley Pickett, Gillian Hearst, Meghan & Adam Klopp, Harrison LeFrak, Avery McCann, Stacey Pashcow, Lila Remez, Sofia Remez, Lara & Claude Shaw, Stephanie A. Sirota, Mary Snow and Sarah & Andrew Wetenhall.

Committee members included Joanna Baker de Neufville, Callie Baker Holt, Lizzi Bickford Meadow & Todd Meadow, Clementine Goutal, Julia Kingsley, Elizabeth Kurpis, Whitney Lovell Schott, Amanda and Ted Mariner, Isabella Meyer, Brooke Kelly Murray & Patrick Murray and Tatiana G.P. Perkin. 

Additional attendees included Vice President and Executive Director, Louisa Benton, HDRF Advisory Board member Scott Snyder, Mark Gilbertson, Kara Ross and Grace and Chris Meigher.

The event was generously underwritten by Madison Worth Architects and Scott Snyder Interior Design.

About Hope for Depression Research Foundation:

Audrey Gruss founded HDRF in 2006 in memory of her mother Hope, who struggled with clinical depression. Today, HDRF is the leading nonprofit organization focused solely on advanced depression research into new and better treatments for the illness. The World Health Organization has declared depression as the leading cause of disability worldwide, and yet conventional medications today are outdated and do not fully work for 50% of patients. The mission of the HDRF is to spur innovative neuroscience research into the origins, medical diagnosis, new treatments, and prevention of depression and its related mood disorders – bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorder, and suicide. To date, HDRF has provided more than $45 million through over 200 grants for breakthrough depression research that promises to transform the way depression is viewed, diagnosed, treated and prevented.  Currently, HDRF has a potential new class of medication in pilot clinical trials at Mount Sinai Medical Center, Columbia University and Stanford University. 

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Over 80 people attended the panel discussion, which HDRF conceived in partnership with Southampton Arts Center (SAC) Board member Simone Levinson.   Conducted from 11 am to 12 pm in the SAC theatre, the discussion focused on The Four Pillars of Mental Health: Sleep, Diet, Exercise and Meditation.  Panelists were Bob Roth, CEO of the David Lynch Foundation, Eddie Stern, yoga instructor and author, Jamie Pabst, founder and CEO of Spiritune and Ivey Leidy, nutrition expert and coach.  The moderator was HDRF Executive Director Louisa Benton.  

In her welcome remarks, Audrey Gruss said: “This discussion on evidence-based methods to reduce stress and increase resilience to anxiety is more important than ever.  Mental illness and mental wellness are the reverse side of the same coin.”

The luncheon followed the panel discussion, and was exclusively for the committee members of the Race of Hope.  Over 60 committee members attended including James R. Borynack and Adolfo Zaralegui, Janna Bullock, Arthur Dunnam and Roy Cohen, Mark Gilbertson, Alan Glatt, Jamee and Peter Gregory, Martin Gruss, Mai Hallingby Harrison, Kim Heirston, Natasha Jeffries, Sharon Loeb, Anne Nordeman, Kathy Prounis, Nancy Silverman, and Lis Waterman.

Luncheon Guests were seated at tables adorned with bright yellow sunflowers in the SAC Sculpture Garden, where they enjoyed a delicious buffet of grilled chicken kebabs, poached salmon, grilled vegetables, gourmet cheeses, farro salad, garden salad, red potato and string beans and fresh fruit kebabs.

Throughout the luncheon, models stolled among the tables donning the Fall 2022 collection from Akris, a sponsor of the Race of Hope.  After the luncheon, guest walked to the Akris boutique nearby on Jobs Lane for champagne and dessert bites. They also picked up gift bags that featured a summery Akris scarf as well as skin products from Tammy Fender, another Race sponsor. 

This year HDRF’s Week of Hope will also make its grand return, concluding with the seventh annual Race of Hope to Defeat Depression on Sunday, August 7.  The Week of Hope is a village-wide initiative to raise mental health awareness, when hundreds of stores in downtown Southampton place a large yellow, environmentally friendly balloon just outside their door.  The balloons represent commitment to mental health awareness, and the stores are given an information card from HDRF to hand out with educational information about recognizing the signs of depression. 

Race of Hope, a high-spirited, family-friendly 5K run/walk event will take place at 8.30 AM around Lake Agawam in Southampton.  All participants will receive HDRF’s signature yellow Race gear and ­finisher medal, and prizes will be awarded for the best time in different age categories, as well as for the top individual fundraiser and top fundraising team. Audrey Gruss and Arthur Dunnam, who is an HDRF Advisory Board member and resides in East Hampton, will serve as Race Co-Grand Marshals.

100% of proceeds from the Race will fund groundbreaking research into the root causes of depression in the brain and new and better treatments. To learn more and register for the race, visit https://www.raceofhopeseries.com/.

5K Race of Hope Committee

Platinum Level: Judy & Leonard Lauder, Jamee & Peter Gregory, Paulson Family Foundation, Nancy Silverman.

Gold Level: Felice & Shelley Bergman, David C. Bohnett, James R. Borynack & Adolfo Zaralegui/Findlay Galleries, Geoffrey Bradfield, Ide & David Dangoor, Annie & Michael Falk, Bambi & Roger Felberbaum, The Hon. David Fischer & Jennifer Fischer, Frances & Jeff Fisher, Mary Ann Fribourg, Kim Heirston, Tania Higgins, Kontes Family, Sharon and John Loeb, Jr., Robert F. Mancuso, Mary P. Moran, Anne & Jacques Nordeman, Jane & Richard Novick, Kathy Prounis, Barbara & Randall Smith, Mary Ann Tighe and David Hidalgo, Lynne Wheat.

Silver Level

Bruce Bierman & William Secord, Serena Bowman, Jill Blanchard, Rita and Charles Bronfman, Bulgin & Associates, Janna Bullock, Sharon Bush & Bob Murray, Pilar & Stephen Robert, Lisa & Sanford Ehrenkranz, Marjorie & Alexander Federbush, Kelli and Jerry Ford, Barbara & Alan Glatt, Mrs. Darcy Gould, Susan Gutfreund, Candy Hamm, Mai Hallingby Harrison, Yaz & Valentin Hernández, Gail Hilson, Ashley & Harriet Hoffman, Elizabeth & Edgar Howard, Natasha Jeffries, Carol Mack, Muffy & Donald Miller, Lucia N. Musso, Pamela Pantzer, Bonnie Pfeiffer Evans, Robin Pickett, Hilary Geary Ross, Carolyn & Curtis Schenker, Frances G. Scaife, Ginny & David Sydorick, Lydia Touzet, Nicholas Varney, Susan H. Warner, Lis Waterman, Clelia & Tom Zacharias, Silvia Zoullas.

5K Race of Hope Sponsors

Akris, Findlay Galleries, Gubbins Running, Jacob Antilety Landscaping, Livingston Builders, Scott’s Protein Balls, Southampton Arts Center, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, Tammy Fender skin products.

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(New York, NY – April 27, 2022) – Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF) will host its first annual National Virtual Race of Hope to Defeat Depression on Saturday, May 14 in honor of Mental Health Awareness month.  The event has registered hundreds of runners and walkers across the nation who will tie up their shoelaces to help advance research into new treatments for anxiety and depression.   

HDRF Founder and Chair Audrey Gruss said: “It’s incredible to see so many people dedicated to health come together for the cause of mental health research. As rates of anxiety and depression have risen dramatically during the pandemic, they know that HDRF’s work to find the root causes of depression in the brain and new treatments is more important than ever.”

The National Virtual Race is a spin-off of the winter Race of Hope in Palm Beach and summer Race of Hope in Southampton.  These local races have raised roughly $2 million for research since they began in 2016.  This year, HDRF wanted to provide a stand-alone virtual race in May for its growing national audience.  Registered participants for the virtual race can walk or run in their own hometowns, and they can choose their race distance: 5k, 10k, 15k, Half Marathon, or Marathon.   For their registration fee, participants receive HDRF’s signature yellow gear in the mail to wear for their race. 

For racers who want to complete their distance at the same time as other racers across the U.S., Race organizers will host a 60-minute broadcast, to be live-streamed on Facebook starting at 8:15 AM EST on Saturday, May 14.   Racers can watch the broadcast using their phones or earbuds before, during and after their races.  They can post comments on the live stream page as well as photos of themselves in their gear at their starting and finish lines and water breaks.     

The goal of the broadcast is to create a sense of community even though the race is virtual.  Racers in different locales across the U.S. will be able to interact with one another and cheer each other on.   

The broadcast will also feature open discussion about depression and treatment, including:

• An interview with the Chief Medical Officer of Talkspace, Dr. Varun Choudhary.  Talkspace is a leading virtual behavioral healthcare provider based in New York City.
• An interview with world-renowned neuroscientist Dr. Eric Nestler, Chair of HDRF’s Depression Task Force.  Dr. Nestler will give an update on research progress into new, precision treatments for depression.  
• Racers will dedicate their miles to someone who has been affected by depression, prompting open and honest discussion on the forum. 

The cost to register for the National Virtual Race of Hope is $45. The first 500 to sign up will receive a race jacket, hat, bottle, bib, huge finisher 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: Virtual.RaceOfHopeSeries.com

What is HDRF, and a quick overview of their work/achievements in the past decade:

•          HDRF is the leading non-profit dedicated solely to advanced depression research. 

•          Audrey Gruss founded the organization in 2006 in memory of her mother, Hope, who struggled with depression.

•          The mission of HDRF is to fund cutting-edge neuroscience research into the origins, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of depression and other related mood disorders.

•          In 2010, HDRF launched its Depression Task Force – a collaboration of nine leading scientists, at the frontiers of brain science, from different research institutions across the U.S. and Canada. To accelerate breakthrough research, they share ongoing results, in real-time, at the HDRF Data Center.

•          HDRF has invested over $30 million in advanced depression research to date.

About Depression:

•          In the United States, depression affects over 20-million adults each year – that is one in 10 adults.

•          Depression is the leading cause of suicide. In the United States, one person dies by suicide every 11 minutes – over 47,000 people per year.

•          Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide.

•          Depression costs society $210-billion annually – 60% of which represents reduced efficiency at work and costs related to suicide.

The Crisis in Research and Treatment 

•          Over 30% of those diagnosed with depression do not respond to existing treatments. 

•          In 35 years since the introduction of Prozac and other SSRI anti-depressants, there has been almost no change in the treatment of depression, just tinkering with existing approaches.

•          Although depression is one of the most serious and prevalent conditions in the US, it is ranked 77th (out of 250) in the amount of federal funding it receives.

•          Most of the major pharmaceutical companies have discontinued brain research. 

What Makes HDRF Different

•          The Depression Task Force represents the most innovative approach to neuroscience research today.

•          The Task Force has created an unprecedented research plan with each member executing a piece of the plan in their own laboratories.  By avoiding well-worn paths of research, the team is shaking up the field for answers that will finally lead to new treatments for depression.   

•          They share results in real-time at a centralized data bank. This allows them to leverage data to accelerate research. This is unheard of in the entire scientific research field which is normally competitive and not collaborative.  

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Last year, the Race was forced to go virtual due to covid restrictions.  This year the event will be a careful return to in-person racing with measures such as staggered heats to keep runners safely distanced.  Over 500 participants are expected to attend. 

“We’re thrilled to be able to gather in person again for this very special day,” said HDRF Founder and Chair  Audrey Gruss.  “Humans are wired to need warm social interaction.  The isolation of the pandemic has taken a large toll on the nation’s mental health.”

Gruss pointed to surveys that show over one third of Americans struggle with symptoms of depression and anxiety.  HDRF’s leadership in the field of depression research is more urgent than ever, she said.  One hundred percent of proceeds from the Race will fund groundbreaking research into the root causes of clinical depression in the brain and new and better treatments.

Gruss and HDRF Board member Scott Snyder, both Palm Beach residents,will serve as Co-Grand Marshals for the race. They will lead participants on a beautiful 5K (3.1 mile) route starting at The Royal Poinciana Plaza and continuing along the beautiful North Lake Trail and through the streets of Palm Beach. The Race is a high-spirited, family friendly event that is open to all ages and speeds, with dogs and strollers welcomed.

The Palm Beach Race of Hope has grown quickly over the years, with over 700 participants in 2020, before the pandemic.  The race was first launched in Southampton in August 2016 and expanded to Palm Beach in February 2019. The event has raised over $1 million for research since its launch.

During the pandemic both races went virtual, an adaptation that allowed thousands of runners from all over the nation to participate from their own hometowns, regardless of geography.  While the Palm Beach Race returns to in-person this year, HDRF will still provide a virtual race for its national audience.  The Foundation will host its first annual National Virtual Race of Hope in May in honor of Mental Health Awareness month. 100% of the funds raised will go directly to advanced depression research. For more information or to register, visit: https://www.raceofhopeseries.com/.

Palm Beach Race of Hope Committee

Diamond Level Sponsors: James R. Borynack & Adolfo Zaralegui/Findlay Galleries, Dominique Buaron, Jamee & Peter Gregory, Tricia Quick and James & Teresa Remez/Livingston Builders

Platinum Level Sponsors: Catherine Adler, Annabelle & Denis Coleman, Jr., Deborah & Philippe Dauman

The Honorable David Fischer & Jennifer Fischer, Nicola Marcus, Heidi & Tom McWilliams, Renee & Carlos Morrison, PJ Quick Pollack and Thomas C. Quick & Michael Donnell

Gold Level Sponsors: Becky & F. William Bryan, James H. Coleman, Julie & Mike Connors, Maria & Kenneth Fishel, William E. Flaherty, Cindy & Chris Galvin, Felicia & Peter Gottsegen, Charles and Kaaren Hale, Joseph Hernandez, Tania & Brian Higgins, Darlene & Jerry Jordan, Sheila & Robert Josephberg, Melanie & Roger Lawson, Petra Levin, Robert F. Mancuso, Anita & Sam Michaels, Muffy & Donald Miller, Joel Pashcow, Jeffrey Pfeifle, Amy & John Phelan, Marzia Precoda, Kara Ross, and Eddy & John J. Taylor lll

Silver Level Sponsors: Agneta Angel, Paola Bacchini Rosenshein, Bruce Bierman & William Secord, CeCe Black, Kimmy & Steve Brauer, Sharon Bush & Robert C. Murray, Luce Churchill, Anne Fisher, Frances Fisher, Linda Gary & Michael Belisle, Heidi Hanna, Nicki & Ira Harris, Inez Fogel Heery, Manager, Greenleaf & Crosby, Yaz & Valentin Hernandez, Eve & Herb Jacobi, Ann Follis Jeffery, Jayne T. Keith, Eleanora Kennedy, Carol & Earle Mack, Annabelle & Alberto Mariaca, William A. Meyer, John & Carole Moran, Diana Morrison, Lucia N. Musso, Linda Olsson, Sallie B. Phillips, Joanna Roland, Frances G. Scaife, Barbara & Randall Smith, Ginny & David Sydorick, Betsy & Wally Turner, Nicholas Varney, Lis Waterman, Ellen & James Wilner, Nancy Yanofsky & Ed Brown, Clelia & Tom Zacharias and David Zislin

Palm Beach Race of Hope Inaugural Junior Committee

Chairman: PJ Quick Pollack

Co-Chairs: Charlotte Bocly, Stephanie & Andrew Filauro, Hollis Bradley Pica, Caleb M. Smith and Sarah Wetenhall

Committee: Bettina Anderson, Wendy Benichou, Carolina Buia Barefoot, Samantha Curry, Brianne Goutal, Clementine Goutal, Oliver R. Grace lll, Nolan & Michael Greenwald , Lourdes de Guardiola & Michael Morrissey, Maggi Haigh, Emma Holzer, Katherine Lande & Kevin Condon, Stacey Leuliette, Nick Mele, Lauren Merck, Isabella Meyer, Dr. Richard Miron, Abigail Owen-Pontez, Alexis Posada TeStrake, Kameron Ramirez, Michael Gregson Reinert, Robert Riva, Nic Roldan, Mathieu Rosinsky, Joshua Sagman, Whitney Lovell Schott, Kirsten Smith, Jane Stevens, Casey Taylor, Pamela Tombari, Tom Treacy, Dobi Trendafilova, Alvin Valley and Grace Wills

Palm Beach Race of Hope Sponsor List

Sponsors: Aktion Art, Findlay Galleries, Gunster, Hamilton Jewelers, Hive Collections, Impala Asset Management, Jefferson Capital, Le Bilboquet, Livingston Builders, Royal Poinciana Plaza and Smith & Elkin CPA, P.A.

In-Kind Sponsors: Alvin Valley, Brown Moving and Storage, Celis Produce, Fit 2 Run, Frances Valentine

Le Rosey Summer Camps, Palm Beach Atlantic University, Palm Beach Illustrated, Sant Ambroeus, Starbucks, Sunreef Yachts and Tammy Fender Holistic Skin Care

What is HDRF, and a quick overview of their work/achievements in the past decade:

•                   HDRF is the leading non-profit dedicated solely to advanced depression research.

•                   Audrey Gruss founded the organization in 2006 in memory of her mother, Hope, who struggled with depression.

•                   The mission of HDRF is to fund cutting-edge neuroscience research into the origins, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of depression and other related mood disorders.

•                   In 2010, HDRF launched its Depression Task Force – a collaboration of nine leading scientists, at the frontiers of brain science, from different research institutions across the U.S. and Canada. To accelerate breakthrough research, they share ongoing results, in real-time, at the HDRF Data Center.

•                   HDRF has invested over $40 million in advanced depression research to date.

About Depression:

•                   In the United States, depression affects over 20-million adults each year – that is one in 10 adults.

•                   Depression is the leading cause of suicide. In the United States, one person dies by suicide every 11 minutes – over 47,000 people per year.

•                   Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide.

•                   Depression costs society $210 billion annually – 60% of which represents reduced efficiency at work and costs related to suicide.

The Crisis in Research and Treatment

•                   50% of those diagnosed with depression do not fully respond to existing treatments. 

•                   In 35 years since the introduction of Prozac and other SSRI anti-depressants, there has been almost no change in the treatment of depression.

•                   Although depression is one of the most serious and prevalent conditions in the US, it is ranked 77th (out of 250) in the amount of federal funding it receives.

•                   Most of the major pharmaceutical companies have discontinued brain research.

What Makes HDRF Different

•                   The Depression Task Force represents the most innovative approach to neuroscience research today.

•                   The Task Force has created an unprecedented research plan with each member executing a piece of the plan in their own laboratories.  By avoiding well-worn paths of research, the team is shaking up the field for answers that will finally lead to new treatments for depression.  

•                   They share results in real-time at a centralized data bank. This allows them to leverage data to accelerate research. This is unheard of in the entire scientific research field which is normally competitive and not collaborative. 

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2021 HOPE Award for Depression Advocacy and Owner of the Indianapolis Colts, Jim Irsay, received the Community Ambassador of Hope Award.  Findlay Galleries, represented by CEO James Borynack and COO Adolfo Zaralegui, received the HOPE Corporate Visionary Award. 

Master of Ceremonies, Chuck Scarborough began the event by welcoming everyone and speaking about the pressures society has faced during the pandemic and lockdown over the past 18 months.  He then took the audience back to 2006, the year HDRF was founded, covering major headlines and happenings of the day, such as the growth of Facebook.  He also mentioned that in 2006, depression was severely stigmatized and research into new treatments was stalled.   He stated, “It seemed there was no hope,” before introducing HDRF Founder and Chair Audrey Gruss.

Gruss then came to the podium to discuss the staggering statistics of depression today and the foundation’s significant accomplishments in its mission to address the epidemic.  Depression is the Number One cause of disability worldwide and is at an all-time high across the world in the wake of COVID-19.

Gruss noted the Foundation works on two fronts: 1) to raise awareness educate the public about depression and 2) research into the root causes of depression in the brain and new and better treatments.

On the education front, Gruss spoke about the myriad of topics covered at the annual luncheon seminar over 15 years, from depression and genes, depression and pain, depression in children, depression in men, to depression through the lifecycle.   She also highlighted the many celebrities that have appeared at the Foundation’s events to raise awareness, including Lorraine Bracco, Terry Bradshaw, Jane Pauley, Anderson Cooper, Brooke Shields, and Taraji P. Henson, to name a few. Gruss noted another way in which the Foundation raises awareness is through the Hope Fragrance Collection, which gives 100% of the net profits to depression research.

Gruss also pointed to remarkable research progress by the Foundation’s acclaimed Depression Task Force, which she convened in 2010.   The DTF has largely defined the entire filed of depression research in the past decade and currently has two potential new categories of medication in clinical trials.  Several more potential new treatments are in the pipeline.

Ms. Gruss also poignantly shared that she launched the foundation in 2006 in honor of her mother, Hope, who struggled with depression. She watched her mother endure treatment by trial and error, hospitalizations, and the life-sapping loss of energy that is the mark of major depression.  Conventional medications for depression, she said, have not changed in over 35 years and are not fully effective in 50% of patients.  Furthermore, these medications are all based on the same formula as the first SSRI, Prozac, introduced in 1985.  Gruss said HDRF is determined to change that by discovering new targets for treatment in the brain.  

HDRF Executive Director Louisa Benton took the floor to speak about how the Hope for Depression Research Foundation has built national awareness, even despite the pandemic. She highlighted the Foundation’s Race of Hope, a 5K Run/Walk in Palm Beach, FL in the winter and Southampton, NY in the summer. During the pandemic both races went virtual, an adaptation that allowed thousands of runners from all over the nation to participate.  Even as the race of Hope returns to in-person events, HDRF will host a Nationwide Virtual Race of Hope in May as part of the mental health awareness month celebration. Benton also spoke about the New Treatment Initiative (NTI), whereby HDRF has awarded four “Defeating Depression Awards” to promising new treatments for depression in development at universities across the country.

Dr. Helen Mayberg, a member of the Depression Task Force, then came on stage to give the audience an update on important research progress.  Mayberg is a pioneer in deep brain stimulation, a surgical intervention for severe, resistant depression.  She is currently the founding director of the Center for Circuit Therapeutics at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.  Her work has helped the Depression Task Force identify brain circuits in depression.

The medical keynote speaker, Dr. Conor Liston, Associate Professor of Neuroscience and Psychiatry at the Brain and Mind Institute at Weill Cornell Medicine, delivered a presentation about the importance of the gut microbiome to our mental health.    Every human has a second brain, he said, called the enteric nervous system, consisting of 100 million neurons embedded in the walls of our digestive tract.  There, too, live trillions upon trillions of bacteria of different species known as the microbiome.  These microbes play a role not only in intestinal health, but also, it has been recently discovered, in psychiatric health, including our risk of developing depression.  Liston’s own research studies have significantly moved this new branch of science forward. 

Findlay Galleries,  represented by CEO James R. Borynack and COO Adolfo Zaralegui, accepted the 2021 Hope Corporate Visionary Award, established by HDRF to honor corporations that demonstrate exceptional creativity, advocacy, and vision to promote the mental health of our communities. Findlay Galleries is one of the nation’s oldest art galleries, with branches in New York and Palm Beach, and they are a longtime supporter of HDRF and other mental health non-profits.  Borynack stated, “The Hope for Depression Research Foundation’s outstanding work and extraordinary accomplishments, year in and year out, keep us focused on our community support.”

Owner of the Indianapolis Colts, Jim Irsay accepted the Community Ambassador of Hope Award.  Irsay and the Colts Community created the “Kicking the Stigma” campaign to make it safe to talk about mental illness, and to expand mental health treatment services throughout their Indianapolis community. Irsay stated, “When life doesn’t make sense anymore and you don’t have hope and you don’t want to live, it’s a tough place to be.” He continued, “It’s an illness, and it’s been stigmatized, and that’s the reason we started “Kicking the Stigma.” People who are sick are afraid to speak up, and they don’t want to seek help.”

Audrey Gruss then presented Michael Phelps with the HOPE Award for Depression Advocacy. 

“And now it’s time for the GOAT,” she said, using the acronym for Greatest of All Time. “While no man could touch him in the water, outside of the pool he relentlessly battled with the demons of depression and anxiety. He has used his fame as a platform to be open about his experience with depression and to spread hope and understanding.”

Phelps took the stage to speak in a Q&A with Gruss about his struggles with depression.

When asked about his first moment of depression, Phelps stated, “In 2004 I won eight total medals, six gold and two bronze, and coming back from that is when I first noticed a depression spell.”

He continued: “2014 — that was where I found myself not wanting to be alive.” He went on to speak about entering into a treatment center after hitting rock bottom and feeling it was one of the scariest places he has ever been.  He noted that ultimately those 45-days helped him to better understand himself and continuing in therapy is why he was able to stand on the stage today.

Gruss then asked about other athletes such as Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka coming forward about their own experience with depression. Phelps stated, “What Naomi Osaka did on her own platform, in her own words and telling her own story… wow. We can all learn some things from her.” He continued, “All of these athletes and celebrities, these human beings that have stepped up and shared their experience about mental health have been able to save lives.”

When speaking about The Michael Phelps Foundation IM program he stated, “I want to give every kid the chance to accomplish their goals or their dreams, no matter how easy or hard it is to get there. It wasn’t easy getting to where I was and it sure wasn’t easy getting back in 2016 with the journey, but it was a dream nobody else was going to stand in front of.” The audience burst into laughter when Phelps noted, “I had people doubting me my whole life. I had a teacher in sixth grade telling me I would never amount to anything… thanks.”

The Q&A concluded with Phelps responding to a question about his work with Talkspace and helping people receive talk therapy. He noted, “I can make the joke now that I learned to communicate at the age of 30, but at least I got there. I am just trying to spread that message, as it’s something so simple, but something so helpful just to be able to open up and share.”

Each year, the HOPE Luncheon Seminar is held at the Plaza Hotel in New York City and is attended by over 300 top New York philanthropists, asset managers, business and media professionals, socialites and celebrities who gather to raise awareness about depression and its related mood disorders as well as funds for continued research.

The Luncheon Seminar Co-chairs were: Sharon Bush, Jamee and Peter Gregory, Susan Gutfreund, Maru Hagerty, Kim Heirston, Tania Higgins, Eleanora Kennedy, Susan R. McCaw, Kitty and Bill McKnight, Peter S. Paine III, Liz Peek, Nancy Silverman, Barbara and Randall Smith, Scott Snyder and Felicia Taylor.

Additional guests included: James Aman, Krista Bard, Janna Bullock, Joanna Goldenstein, Martin Gruss, Christine Mack, John Meeks, Margo Nederlander, John Paulson, Marc Rosen, Dr. Steven Roose, Hilary Geary Ross, Lis Waterman, Veronica Webb and Lynne Wheat.

Doctorate Sponsors

Jamee and Peter Gregory and Eric Javits Inc.

Founder Sponsors

 Paulson Family Foundation and Nancy Silverman.

Benefactor Sponsors

 EGL Charitable Foundation, FINDLAY Galleries/James R. Borynack and Adolfo Zaralegui, and The Richard and Karen LeFrak Charitable Foundation.

Anniversary Sponsors

 Judy and Leonard Lauder, Abraham Fuchsberg Family Foundation, Susan R. McCaw, Christine and Stephen Schwarzman, Felicia Taylor, Lynne Wheat and Vera Serrano.

Corporate Patron Sponsors

The Estée Lauder Companies, HUB International Northeast, Fishers Finery, Indianapolis Colts, Otsuka and Talkspace.

Patron Donors

Nancy and Edmund M. Dunst / HUB International Northeast, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., Fishers Finery, Mrs. John Gutfreund, Kim Heirston, Tania Higgins, Indianapolis Colts, Eleanora Kennedy, Kitty and Bill McKnight, Otsuka, Peter S. Paine III, Liz Peek, Thomas C. Quick, Katharine Rayner, Barbara and Randall Smith and Talkspace Inc.

Friend Donors

Bloomberg Philanthropies, Laura Louise Breyer, Sharon Bush, Jennifer and David Fischer, Frances Fisher, Mary Ann Fribourg, Lundbeck LLC, David B. Lynch Foundation, Ambassador Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, Anne and Jay McInerney, Heidi McWilliams, Mary P. Moran, Kathy Prounis, Roberts & Holland LLP and Scott Snyder.

Gold Level Donors 

Acquavella Family Foundation, Catherine Adler, Meredith Aman, Shelley Bergman, Kimberly Bitterman, CeCe Black, Jill Blanchard, Janna Bullock, Mrs. Mirella Cameran-Reilly, Myron Cohen / Federman Steifman LLP, Caroline Coleman, Pilar Crespi Robert, Gus N. Davis, Marjorie S. Federbush, Firmenich, Hope Fitzgerald, Joanna Goldenstein, Mai Hallingby Harrison, Carolyn Ryan Healey, Linda Hickox, Karen Klopp, Stephanie Krieger, Margo Langenberg, Kamie Lightburn, Carol Mack, Christine Mack, Annie MacRae, Kristina Grimm McCooey, Grace Meigher, Muffy and Donald Miller, Marcia and Richard Mishaan, John A. Moran, Margo and James Nederlander, Anne Nordeman, Jane and Richard Novick, Pamela Pantzer, Marina Pellecchi, Darcy Rigas, Marc Rosen, Hilary Geary Ross, Julia Ryan, Nicole Salmasi, Frances G. Scaife, Chuck Scarborough, Jane Scheinfeld, Joan Schnitzer, Jean Shafiroff, Catherine and Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff, Ginny and David Sydorick, Amanda Taylor, Barbara Tober, Lis Waterman, Douglas Wright, Clelia Zacharias, Richard Ziegelasch, David Zislin and Silvia Zoullas.

Gift Bag Sponsors

Diane Conn, Eric Javits Inc., Essence of Vali, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., Exhale Spa, Fishers Finery, Garde Robe, Hope Fragrance and Scott’s Protein Balls.

About Hope For Depression Research Foundation

HDRF’s mission is to fund the most innovative neuroscience research into the origins, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of depression and other mood disorders – bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, post-traumatic stress syndrome, anxiety disorder and suicide.

In 2010, HDRF launched its Depression Task Force – an outstanding collaboration of ten of the world’s leading laboratories, at the frontiers of brain science, from different research institutions across the U.S. and Canada. These scientists have developed an unprecedented research strategy that integrates the most advanced knowledge in genetics, epigenetics, molecular biology, electrophysiology, and brain imaging. To accelerate breakthrough research, they share ongoing results, in real time, at the HDRF Data Center. For more information, visit: www.hopefordepression.org

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