The Co-Grand Marshals for the Race were Grier Henchy, the 16-year-old daughter of Brooke Shields, and Hayden Lucas, who was one of the creators of the event.  Grier is following in her mother’s advocacy footsteps, as Brooke Shields herself was honored by HDRF with the Hope Award for Depression Advocacy in 2009.

Soul Cycle’s Stacey Griffith, mental health advocate and social media influencer, spun her signature playlist as DJ for the race.  The music reinforced the energy of the crowd as they waited for the Race to begin against the backdrop of New York Harbor, downtown Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. 

Grier Henchy said: “Today is all about the message of hope and how we can make it safe to talk about mental health.  It’s really important for every teen to know it is okay to not be okay – and to reach out for help.”

Hayden Lucas, who also served as the Chief Student Ambassador for the Race, is a junior at Dwight High School.  He came to HDRF with the idea of a Teen Race after he had run in a recent Race of Hope in Southampton, NY. 

Lucas said: “HDRF has supported the idea of the Teen Race from the beginning. Thanks to them we are able to run here today to spread awareness and work towards ending the stigma about mental health.”

The state of teen mental health across the nation is urgent.  Last year the surgeon general declared a national emergency in teen mental health.  More than one in three high school students reports feeling persistent hopelessness, a 40% increase since 2009.  Suicide has become the second leading cause of death for teens ages 15 to 19.  

“These staggering statistics underscore the vital importance of uniting New York’s school communities to better understand the signs of depression and how to talk to teens about it,” said HDRF Executive Director Louisa Benton in opening remarks before the Race.  

HDRF Founding Chair Audrey Gruss also took the podium before the Race to acknowledge the teens for their energy and activism on the anti-stigma front.

Gruss said: “The Teen Race of Hope is primed to even be bigger than our Race of Hope and this is because young people know how to make change. All of you, the young people in our community, are going to be the ones who can make a real difference. That is why this race is so important and that is why it’s going to be the most talked about event in New York.”

The Teen Race of Hope is a 5K (3.1 mile) U.S. Track and Field-certified race.  At the starting gun, participants set off to complete the 3.1-mile course starting at Pier 40 Hudson River Park and continuing along the esplanade with beautiful views of the Hudson River.  Everyone sported HDRF’s signature sunshine yellow color with matching caps and t-shirts.

The event, which raised $35,000, marked HDRF’s first 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 and to the top fundraisers.  First prize for Best Male Time went to James Knox, and first prize for the Best Female Time went to his mother, Sarah Knox.  The award for Top Fundraising Team went to the Dwight School team.  The award for Best Costume went to the Sunshine Girls, who wore matching yellow outfits with flower sunglasses.

Second place for Best Male Time went to Cesar Hernandez and second place for the Best Female Time went to Luisa Cavalli, third place for Best Male Time went to Isaac Jeffrey, and third place for the Best Female Time went to Dawn Brewer.

All Race participants received a signature yellow shirt, cap and finisher medal. The first, second, and third place winners received medals based on the winnings. The costume contest that was held during the race encouraged all participants and supporters to show up in their best yellow ensemble, with the winner Sunshine Girls taking home a $100 bank card. 

The Teen Race of Hope was supported by local student teen ambassadors including Hayden Lucas, Chief Student Ambassador, Mia Abramson, Marni Arons, Alva Carlston, Hannah Diker, Sophie Higgins, Abigail Kidd, Tanner Klipstein, Ruby McKillips, Jeremy Negrin, Summer Nelson, Sophia Rossi, Noelle Saldana, Gui Sequiera , Ai Vy Shulman, Andrew Wetenhall, Amelia Wetenhall.

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.

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. 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 $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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Developed by teens for teens, the Teen Race of Hope will mark HDRF’s first Race of Hope in New York City, uniting teenagers and their families, friends and teachers from across the five boroughs to fight the stigma around mental health and fundraise for advanced depression research. 

For the past seven years HDRF has also hosted a major Race of Hope in Palm Beach and in Southampton, NY, but the Teen Race of Hope is the first to be youth-focused. 

The Teen Race is the brainchild of Hayden Lucas, who serves as the Chief Student Ambassador for the Race.  Lucas is a junior at Dwight High School and the leader of the newly formed HDRF Teen Task Force, a platform created to empower teens to openly discuss mental health and reinforce their sense of community.

“I am excited to lead my peers, teachers, and friends in this race to help our community better understand the importance of mental health awareness,” said Hayden. “As teens, its paramount that we educate ourselves about the signs of depression, coming together in our schools to support the mental wellbeing of others.”

Grier Hammond Henchy follows in her mother Brooke Shields’ footsteps, serving as this year’s teen celebrity Grand Marshal to help bring awareness to depression. Brooke was honored by HDRF with the Hope Award for Depression Advocacy in 2009.

Grier and Hayden will be joined by fellow student ambassadors, as they lead participants on a beautiful 5K (3.1) mile route through the Hudson River esplanade and public piers.  While some will choose to run this event competitively, others will opt to stroll casually with their friends and dogs. But they are all 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 across the nation is urgent.  More than one in three high school students reports feeling persistent hopelessness, a 40% increase since 2009.  Suicide has become the second leading cause of death for teens ages 15 to 19.  

“These staggering statistics underscore the vital importance of uniting New York’s school communities to better understand the signs of depression and how to talk to teens about it,” said HDRF Executive Director Louisa Benton.  

Benton continued:  “It is so inspiring to see these teens coming together to reinforce their sense of school community, because community is a powerful protective factor in future mental health.”

The Teen Race of Hope is supported by local student teen ambassadors  including Mia Abramson, Marni Arons, Sophie Higgins, Abigail Kidd, Ruby McKillips, Jeremy Negrin, Summer Nelson, Sophia Rossi, Gui Sequiera, Ai Vy Shulman and Noelle Saldana.

HDRF has been a leader in research since 2006, convening top brain researchers from different universities to pool data and expertise to find and fast-track novel treatments to clinical trials.   Currently, a clinical trial for a new category of medication is underway at Mount Sinai,  Columbia, and Stanford University.

5K Race of Hope Sponsors

Scott’s Protein Balls

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 100 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 21, 2023

·      Meeting Point: Pier 40, Picnic House, Hudson River Park at 353 West St. Manhattan, NY 10014

• Time: Race starts at 10:00m AM ET
• Cost: Student – $15
• Strollers and Dogs welcome

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. 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 $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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Sunday, January 27, 2019

Mother Nature tried but failed to deter hundreds of intrepid souls who came out in pouring rain and hurricane wind for the Hope for Depression Research Foundation’s (HDRF) Inaugural Palm Beach Race of Hope 5K on Sunday, January 27, 2019.

While a nearby state fair saw a rare closing for weather, more than 300 participants of all ages gathered at 8AM at Palm Beach’s Royal Poinciana Plaza to walk or run the 5K Race and take a stand for depression awareness. The crowd included Inside Edition‘s Deborah Norville, Martin Gruss, Bill Bone, Michael Donnell, Tatiana and Campion Platt, Felicia Taylor, Carlos Morrison, and Tom and Clelia Zacharias.

The 3.1-mile Race began at The Royal Poinciana Plaza, the event’s lead sponsor, and continued along the North Lake Trail and through the streets of Palm Beach. Along the way, participants were greeted by signs with words of encouragement from celebrities, including Anderson Cooper, Lorraine Bracco and Brooke Shields, who have been honored by HDRF for speaking out about depression.

Hope was in abundant supply as everybody wore bright tech shirts and matching caps in HDRF’s signature sunshine yellow. The USA Track and Field-sanctioned event raised over $275,000 to fund groundbreaking research into the causes of depression in the brain and new and better treatments.

Meanwhile, just across the bridge in West Palm Beach, the South Florida Fair was closed for weather for the first time in over ten years.

Speaking from the starting line, HDRF Founder and Chair Audrey Gruss said, “There is a native American saying that says, ‘Anybody who thinks sunshine creates happiness has never danced in the rain. Depression is the number-one reason in the world for disability, and the leading cause of suicide.”

Scott Snyder, who along with Audrey Gruss was a Race Co-Grand Marshal, then added: “So we want to thank you all for coming out to dance in the rain with us today.  Our research is leading to discoveries that can turn the tide on depression and suicide in this country.”

Following the race, Audrey Gruss and Scott Snyder presented medals for best times in various age categories. John Schilkowsky won the best time in the Adult Male category, Stephanie Pezzullo won best time in the Adult Female category, and Dylan Pitchford took home the Youth award. Gruss then presented awards to the top individual fundraiser Trish Glowacki, and an award for Top Fundraising TeamSister Sledge, which included Trish Glowacki, Kimberly Bitterman and Kristina McCooey.

Momentum for the Race grew in the run-up with the Week of Hope – an initiative that launched on January 18 when 40 business owners at The Royal Poinciana Plaza placed a two-foot wide yellow statement balloon by their front door to symbolize hope and their commitment to changing the statistics around depression.

The message was amplified by activities held throughout the week. SoulCycle hosted a Week of Hope ride and Michael Kors Collection hosted an exclusive shopping event where 20% of proceeds were donated HDRF.

The Race of Hope comes to Palm Beach Race as part of a multi-city expansion after three years of success in Southampton, NY. The next Race of Hope will take place in New York City on April 7, 2019. It will then continue in Southampton in the summer.

The Race of HOPE was supported by its Committee: Donna and William Acquavella, Julie Araskog, Mashi and Manucher Azmudeh, Bruce Bierman and William Secord, Robert Bishop, James Borynackand Adolfo Zaralegui, Janet and J.J. Cafaro, Annabelle and Denis Coleman, Howard Cox, Deborah and Philippe Dauman, Mrs. Marvin Davidson, Jackie Weld Drake, Diana and Llwyd Ecclestone, Michaeland Annie Falk, Tina Fanjul, Alexander Federbush, Frances and Jeffrey Fisher, William Flaherty, Gay and Stanley Gaines, Susie and Vere Gaynor, Judith Giuliani, Roni and Gerry Goldsmith, Mrs. Todd Goodwin, Darcy Gould, Myrna Haft, Mai Hallingby, Alexia Hamm Ryan, Ira and Nicki Harris, Mr. & Mrs. Charles B. Johnson, Y. Michele Kang, Eleanora Kennedy, Iris and William Kontes, Dr. Ernst andNataly Langner, Ambassador and Mrs. Howard Leach, Susan Lloyd, Karin Luter, Carol Mack, Nicola and Jeff Marcus, Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, Susan and Joseph Meyer, Muffy and Donald Miller, Reneeand Carlos Morrison, Lucy Musso, Linda Olsson, Jeff Pfeifle and Dave Granville, Amy and John Phelan, Sallie Phillips, Pauline Pitt, Dan Ponton, Tom Quick, Hilary Geary Ross, Frances Scaife, Dan andMary Stanton, Debbie and Jack Thomas, Lis Waterman, Lynne Wheat and Thomas Petterfy, Clelia and Thomas Zacharias, and Jere Zenko. The Race of Hope Junior Committee is Loy Anderson, Bettina Anderson, Samantha Cerny, Tanner Cline, Nick Coniglio, Andres Fanjul, Blayre Farakas, Sean Flannery, Brandy Billinghurst, Sabra Kirpatrick, Wyatt Koch, Robert Leidy, Chris Levitt, Whitney McGurk,Brandon Phillips, Robert Riva, Nic Roldan, and David Thompson.\

Audrey Gruss founded HDRF in April 2006 in memory of her mother Hope, who struggled with clinical depression. Today, HDRF is the leading nonprofit organization focused solely on depression research and public education. The World Health Organization has declared depression as the leading cause of disability worldwide, but despite its prevalence, depression is still misunderstood, underfunded and under-researched. The mission of the HDRF is to fund 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 $30-million through over 125 grants for breakthrough depression research that promises to transform the way depression is viewed, diagnosed, treated and prevented.

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

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. They are not going down well-worn paths of research. They have identified major challenges in the field and are laser focused on the areas where the field is stuck.
• 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.

About The Royal Poinciana Plaza

The Royal Poinciana Plaza is an iconic destination that serves as a jewel box oasis in the heart of beautiful Palm Beach. Built in the late 1950s, it stands today as a landmarked property and one of Palm Beach’s most treasured architectural gems. With 180,000 square feet of retail space and lush, sprawling gardens, it offers a unique international shopping and entertainment destination for indulgence, inspiration, and retreat. Designed by world-renowned architect John Volk, The Royal echoes some of Europe’s legendary retail destinations like the Palais Royal in Paris. The property has been carefully restored to its original mid-century glamour while remaining true to its retail roots. Its offerings will include a unique mix of luxury retail, fashion, dining and entertainment, along with amenities for both local and international visitors.  Arranged around two beautiful courtyards with outdoor furniture, palm trees and gardens, The Royal provides a destination for guests to enjoy outdoor events, read the paper, sip a coffee, gather with family and friends, shop or dine. For more information, visit www.theroyalpoincianaplaza.com or discover more on Instagram @theroyalpoincianaplaza.

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