Events & Press
Join the Movement.
Run for Hope.
From our flagship Race of Hope to scientific galas, every event raises funds and awareness for breakthrough depression research.
HDRF's research and events are covered by leading media outlets. Read what the
press is saying about our mission to defeat depression.
Hope For Depression on NBC News
·
July 2025
NBC Morning News
HDRF Executive Director Louisa Benton and Depression Task Force member Connor Liston were interviewed by Savannah Sellers on NBC Morning News in the lead up to our 10th Annual Southampton Race of Hope!
Spectrum News NY1
·
May 2025
Executive director Louisa Benton and student ambassador Noelle Saldana joined “In Focus.”
Student ambassador Noelle Saldana discusses why she believes mental health is an important conversation topic among young people, especially since the pandemic.
Palm Beach Daily News
·
August 2024
Palm Beach advocates call attention to silent crisis in National Suicide Prevention Month
Two Palm Beach residents died by suicide within weeks of each other this summer.
CBS News New York
·
May 2024
Inspiring students discuss Teen Race of Hope To Defeat Depression
The second annual Teen Race of Hope To Defeat Depression kicks off this weekend in Hudson River Park. Co-leaders of the foundation's teen task force Hayden Lucas and Noelle Saldana, as well as the Executive Director of the Hope for Depression Research Foundation, Louisa Benton, discuss the event.
CBS News New York
·
March 2024
Breaking The Stigma: Overcoming Loneliness
Many people want to understand how to overcome loneliness. Breaking The Stigma: Overcoming Loneliness is CBS New York's in-depth look at what the U.S. Surgeon General calls "the epidemic of loneliness.
NY1 News
·
May 2024
Student organizers, Hayden Lucas and Noelle Saldana, joined “Live At Ten.”
Student organizers, Hayden Lucas and Noelle Saldana, joined "Live At Ten" Friday to discuss this year’s Teen Race of Hope, which is designed to raise awareness about mental health.
AP News
·
February 2024
A brain pacemaker helped a woman with crippling depression. It may soon be available to more people
NEW YORK (AP) — Emily Hollenbeck lived with a deep, recurring depression she likened to a black hole, where gravity felt so strong and her limbs so heavy she could barely move. She knew the illness could kill her. Both of her parents had taken their lives.
Palm Beach Daily News
·
February 2024
Over 1,000 take part in Race for Hope 5K, raise $900K to fund depression research
Depression is more than just the blues, and for years now, the Hope for Depression Research Foundation has been raising money and awareness to tackle this persistent problem.
New York Weekly
·
May 2014
Audrey Gruss Hosts Shop-for-Hope to Benefit Hope for Depression Research Foundation at Balmain in New York City
On Wednesday, May 2, Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF) Founder and Chair Audrey Gruss hosted a Shop-for-Hope event at the Balmain store on Madison Avenue to raise mental health awareness and funds for depression research. The event served as the official kick-off for the Teen Race of Hope on May 19 in NYC.
E! News
·
November 2023
Dakota Johnson Shares How Chris Martin Helps Her When She’s Struggling
Dakota Johnson gave a look into her private relationship with Coldplay singer Chris Martin, detailing one moment when he "lifted" her up when she felt depressed.
PBS MetroFocus
·
September 2023
METROFOCUS STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH WEEK: NIGHT 4 – “TEEN RACE OF HOPE”: SPOTLIGHTING THE STIGMA AROUND YOUTH DEPRESSION
All this week, MetroFocus is bringing you stories on mental health from a variety of perspectives. We’ll hear families, students, and doctors discuss this urgent issue and explore emerging solutions.
Palm Beach TV
·
September 2023
Time is running out for you to weigh in on a decision intended to ease traffic troubles
The deadline, and how to voice your concerns. Plus, mental health education takes centerstage at a Palm Beach School. These stories and more in this edition of Palm Beach TV.
Palm Beach Daily News
·
August 2023
Resort Report: Annual 5K Race of Hope to Defeat Depression spotlights youth mental health
SOUTHAMPTON, New York — The road around Lake Agawam turned into the world's busiest, yellow-est footpath as the Hope For Depression Research Foundation hosted its trademark Hamptons fundraiser.
Forbes
·
August 2023
Audrey Gruss Is Helping Cure Depression With Hope Fragrances
Audrey Gruss is many things—a New Yorker, the founder of a depression-focused foundation, a philanthropist, and a fashionista who hosts annual luncheons that have drawn the likes of Nicky Hilton and Ashley Judd. But besides all this, she is the founder of Hope Fragrances.
Dan's Papers
·
July 2023
Week of Hope
Watch Southampton turn into a bright-yellow sea as the Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF) kicks off its fifth annual Week of Hope this month.
Purist
·
July 2023
Purist
Watch Southampton turn into a bright-yellow sea as the Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF) kicks off its fifth annual Week of Hope this month.
Nature
·
April 2024
Found: a brain-wiring pattern linked to depression
The symptoms of depression might come and go, but new evidence suggests that the pattern of brain wiring behind it remains the same for life.
AP News
·
February 2024
A brain pacemaker helped a woman with crippling depression. It may soon be available to more people
NEW YORK (AP) — Emily Hollenbeck lived with a deep, recurring depression she likened to a black hole, where gravity felt so strong and her limbs so heavy she could barely move. She knew the illness could kill her. Both of her parents had taken their lives.
PNAS
·
November 2023
PNAS
The neurobiology of stress: Vulnerability, resilience, and major depression
National Institute of Health
·
September 2023
Biomarker tracks recovery from depression
For most people with depression, taking antidepressant drugs provides relief. But some still struggle with depression even after trying two or more medications.
Nature
·
September 2023
Is depression lifting? AI that interprets brain waves has answers
Doctors measure blood pressure to track heart disease, and scrutinize insulin levels in people with diabetes. But when it comes to depression, clinicians must rely on people’s self-reported symptoms, making it difficult to objectively measure a treatment’s effects.
National Institute of Health
·
September 2023
Biomarker tracks recovery from depression
For most people with depression, taking antidepressant drugs provides relief. But some still struggle with depression even after trying two or more medications.
Nature
·
April 2023
How deep brain stimulation is helping people with severe depression
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an experimental treatment strategy which uses an implanted device to help patients with severe depression who have reached a point where no other treatment works.
The New Yorker
·
December 2015
The New Yorker
The Six Most Interesting Psychology Papers of 2015
Johns Hopkins Medicine BrainWise
·
July 2009
Johns Hopkins Medicine BrainWise
NEWS FROM THE JOHNS HOPKINS DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES Summer 2009
Palm Beach Daily News
·
February 2024
PHOTOS: Sixth Anniversary of Race of Hope 5K to Defeat Depression
Scott Snyder and Audrey Gruss smile before the start of the Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF) Race of Hope 5K to Defeat Depression on Saturday February 17, 2024 at Bradley Park in Palm Beach.
Palm Beach Charity Registry
·
January 2024
Palm Beach Charity Registry
Hope for depression research
E!News
·
November 2023
Dakota Johnson Shares How Chris Martin Helps Her When She’s Struggling
Dakota Johnson doesn't always see a sky full of stars. The Fifty Shades of Grey actress gave a rare look into her vida with boyfriend Chris Martin, sharing how he has been there for her during her hardest moments.
PBS MetroFocus
·
September 2023
PBS MetroFocus
METROFOCUS STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH WEEK: NIGHT 4 – “TEEN RACE OF HOPE”: SPOTLIGHTING THE STIGMA AROUND YOUTH DEPRESSION
Palm Beach TV
·
September 2023
Time is running out for you to weigh in on a decision intended to ease traffic troubles. The deadline, and how to voice your concerns.
Plus, mental health education takes centerstage at a Palm Beach School. These stories and more in this edition of Palm Beach TV.
Palm Beach Daily News
·
August 2023
Resort Report: Annual 5K Race of Hope to Defeat Depression spotlights youth mental health
SOUTHAMPTON, New York — The road around Lake Agawam turned into the world's busiest, yellow-est footpath as the Hope For Depression Research Foundation hosted its trademark Hamptons fundraiser.
Forbes
·
August 2023
Audrey Gruss Is Helping Cure Depression With Hope Fragrances
Audrey Gruss is many things—a New Yorker, the founder of a depression-focused foundation, a philanthropist, and a fashionista who hosts annual luncheons that have drawn the likes of Nicky Hilton and Ashley Judd.
Dan's Papers
·
July 2023
Week of Hope for Depression Kicks Off Thursday in Southampton
Southampton’s blue skies will soon be filled with yellow as more than 100 businesses throughout the village display large yellow HOPE balloons in front of their stores in recognition of the annual Hope for Depression Research Foundation’s Week of Hope.
Week of Hope
·
July 2023
Purist
Watch Southampton turn into a bright-yellow sea as the Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF) kicks off its fifth annual Week of Hope this month.
Style of Sport
·
May 2023
Style of Sport
TOP (AND BOTTOM RIGHT): HAYDEN LUCAS LEADS THE WAY IN THE HOPE FOR DEPRESSION RESEARCH INAUGURAL TEEN RACE OF HOPE 5K
Good Day New York
·
May 2023
Good Day New York
The NYC Teen Race of Hope with Audrey Gruss and Grier Henchy
Forbes
·
April 2023
Veronica Beard Co-Founders On Store Expansion, Power Suits And Giving Back
Last week, the Veronica Beard boutique on Madison Avenue was bustling with activity. Champagne was being poured and women wore pastel hues of pink, purple and yellow, as they funneled into the store for an event. It wasn’t your average shopping bonanza, however.
Palm Beach Daily News
·
February 2023
Race of Hope in Palm Beach raises record $550,000 for depression research
The Feb. 18 Race of Hope, a fundraiser for the Hope for Depression Research Foundation, raised a record of more than $550,000, according to race officials.
Palm Beach Daily News
·
February 2023
PHOTOS: Palm Beach 5k Race of Hope to Defeat Depression
Over 900 people registered to compete in the 2023 Palm Beach 5k Race of Hope to Defeat Depression Saturday February 2023 at Bradley Park.
People
·
October 2022
People
Olympian Aly Raisman Says She's Prioritizing More 'Alone Time' to Work on Her Mental Health
Good Day New York
·
November 2022
Good Day New York
Aly Raisman bringing attention to mental health crisis
Palm Beach Daily News
·
October 2022
Hope for Depression forum targets youth mental health
The statistics surrounding teen depression may be grim, but there is hope. That was the message Thursday night at the panel discussion “Teenagers and Depression: Addressing the Youth Mental Health Crisis in America” organized by the Hope for Depression Research Foundation.
CBS12 News
·
October 2022
CBS12 News
Teenagers and Depression: symposium on youth mental health crisis in West Palm Beach
Impact Wealth Magazine
·
November 2021
Impact Wealth Magazine
The 15th Annual HOPE Luncheon Seminar hosted by Audrey Gruss Honors Michael Phelps, Jim Irsay, and Findlay Galleries
News 12 Bronx
·
August 2021
News 12 Bronx
‘Race For Hope’ in Southampton raises awareness and funds for depression research
Quest Magazine
·
June 2021
Is the Pandemic Over?
A Looming Mental Health Pandemic Points Up Need for Action
Palm Beach Daily News
·
October 2020
Palm Beach Society: HDRF addresses mental health during COVID-19 pandemic
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to shed light on mental health issues, Audrey Gruss carries on her quest for depression research. On Nov. 11, her organization, Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF), announced the launch of its first clinical trial testing a new category of antidepressant. The two-year trial was launched this fall at Columbia University and Mount Sinai Medical Center.
Authority Magazine
·
September 2020
Mental Health Champions
How Audrey Gruss of the Hope for Depression Research Foundation Aims To Find Treatments For Mood and Emotional Disorders
Palm Beach Illustrated
·
April 2020
Hope for Depression Research Foundation Offers Hope at Home E-Newsletter
During this time of global upheaval and social distancing, many who are susceptible to anxiety and depression are particularly vulnerable.
Worth Magazine
·
February 2020
A Former Beauty Executive’s Multimillion-Dollar Quest To Discover the Next Prozac
Philanthropist Audrey Gruss’ mother Hope was elegant, artistic and inspiring. She was also haunted by a depression that pervaded her entire adult life, deeply impacted her family and has spurred her daughter to fund and promote research for an illness that is notoriously difficult to treat.
Vanity Fair
·
December 2016
JERSEY BOY
Kudos to the Boss for speaking about his bouts with crippling depression, and to Vanity Fair for the in-depth article.
WHEN AUDREY GRUSS
·
October 2016
The FashionableLIFE
Was planning her dream house in Southampton, New York, a decade ago, she had one goal in mind: to create a home that looked like it had been around for centuries.
Palm Beach Illustrated
·
September 2015
THE DEPRESSION TASK FORCE COMPRISES NEUROSCIENTISTS WHO SHARE RESEARCH IN REAL TIME
"Depression is a medical illness," Gruss says."The difficulty is that you can see broken leg, but you can't see when your mind has a break in it."
Quest Magazine
·
March 2015
SHEDDING LIGHT ON THE MIND
AUDREY GRUSS WANTS to change minds, figuratively and literally, when it comes to depression. In 2006, she founded the Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF) named for her mother, Hope, who had suffered from the mood disorder and died the year before.
Huffington Post
·
March 2014
Treatment-Resistant Depression (Part 3): Maybe It’s Time for a ‘Noble’ Prize
Research into treatment-resistant depression is particularly hampered by the "silo" effect -- a myriad of individual projects with very specific parameters. In 2010 a woman named Audrey Gruss decided to do something about this seemingly intractable dysfunction.
New York Times
·
December 2013
A New Focus on Depression
When will we ever get depression under control? Of all the major illnesses, mental or physical, depression has been one of the toughest to subdue.
Everyday Health
·
December 2013
What Is Depression (Major Depressive Disorder, or MDD)?
Depression — also known as major depressive disorder (MDD) or clinical depression — affects not only your mood, but also your ability to feel, think, and function. It blunts sensations of pleasure, closes off connectedness, stifles creativity, and, at its worst, shuts down hope. It also often causes deep emotional pain to the person experiencing it as well as that person’s close family and friends.
People
·
November 2009
Brooke Shields Recalls Suicidal Thoughts After Giving Birth
Brooke Shields has been open about her struggles with post-partum depression, but in revealing new comments she expresses the true depths of her suffering.
The Hope for Depression Research Foundation is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a not-for-profit public charity (Tax ID 20-4559210), contributions to which are deductible for income and gift tax purposes. All contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.