We want to send heartfelt thanks to the over 300 supporters of our Eleventh Annual HOPE Luncheon Seminar on Wednesday, November 8th. The sold-out event raised over $800,000 for HDRF’s research and received fantastic coverage, including People, the Daily News and Page Six.
Actress and Author Ashley Judd accepted the HOPE Award with a heartfelt speech about her recovery from major depression and her work for women and children around the globe.
World-renowned brain scientist Dr. Eric Nestler spoke on the “Genetics of Depression” and the latest findings of the HDRF Depression Task Force.
Founder & Chair Audrey Gruss announced the launch of the Hope fragrance collection, now available for purchase at Saks.com. 100% of net profits will go to advanced depression research.
You can purchase the Hope fragrance, body cream, and candle at select Saks stores and Saks.com.
Documentary Film
We unveiled a trailer for a feature-length documentary about depression that is currently in the making by a veteran team of filmmakers. Click here to view the trailer.
We would like to thank the incomparable Chuck Scarborough for being our Master of Ceremonies, and all the HOPE Luncheon Co-Chairs who helped create this huge success: Ann Barish, Serena McKnight Bowman, Caroline Dean, Peter Gregory, Kim Heirston, Tania Higgins, Margo Langenberg, Kitty McKnight, Peter S. Paine III, and Patricia Rosenwald.
We’ve loved hearing your feedback! Here are the comments you sent us!
“Simply the best!”
“Informative and moving all at the same time. Bravo!”
“Easy to understand and loaded with information.”
“Beautifully organized and paced!”
“Ashley Judd’s story was riveting and moving.”
“Thanks to you this world will be a more optimistic and positive place.”
Thanks also to our top donors:
Doctorate Sponsors: Eric Javits Inc., Nancy Silverman
Founder Sponsors: Debra & Leon Black
Benefactor Sponsors: Ann & Keith Barish, EGL Charitable Foundation, The Estee Lauder Companies, William Flaherty, Susan & Craig McCaw, Vera Serrano
Patron Sponsors: The Abraham Fuchsberg Family Foundation, Bridge of Allen Foundation, Ide & David Dangoor, Caroline Dean, Edmund Dunst/HUB International North East, Exhale Spa, Findlay Galleries, Maru M. Hagerty, Tania Higgins, Michele & Howard Kessler, Kristen Maltese Krusen, Margo Langenberg, Leonard and Judy Lauder Fund, Susan Lloyd, Barbara Smith, Emilie Sullivan, Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Thank you all for a truly memorable day! To view more pictures from the event click here.