11th Annual Southampton Race of Hope,
September 15, 2026

On Sunday, August 2, the Eleventh Annual Southampton Race of Hope to Defeat Depression brought together over 1,000 people in support of research and mental health awareness. The Race raised over $500,000 for research into new and improved treatments for depression and anxiety.

“By participating in our Race today, you’re supporting lifesaving research and bringing hope to millions,” HDRF Founder and Chair Audrey Gruss said to the crowd at the starting line, “Depression is the leading cause of disability and the greatest risk factor for suicide worldwide, but you are here to change that.”

4th Annual New York City Race of Hope,
September 8, 2026

Over 350 supporters joined us in Central Park on Sunday, May 10 for the Fourth Annual NYC Race of Hope to Defeat Depression. Excitement for this year’s race was high: Registrations sold out two weeks before Race Day! Thank you to all who turned out to make the NYC Race a great success.

The Race course began at Central Park’s Davis Center and wound through the beautiful scenery of northern Central Park. Some participants ran competitively, while others walked or strolled with friends. No matter their speed or age, all the participants united in a common purpose: to support research into new treatments for depression and to fight the stigma still associated with seeking help.

Check out some of the highlights from the Race below!

See all finisher times here.

See all photos of the event here.

Thank you to all of our supporters, volunteers, and sponsors! Your commitment to HDRF’s critical research mission is making a world of difference.

2nd Annual Palm Beach HOPE Luncheon Seminar,
September 8, 2026

In 2026, Hope for Depression Research Foundation marks 20 years at the leading edge of scientific research into depression.

The year kicked off with our Second Annual Palm Beach HOPE Luncheon Seminar, modeled after our annual New York City luncheon in the Fall. Over 130 guests gathered at the Colony Hotel in Palm Beach on January 22 to learn about breakthroughs towards new treatments for depression and anxiety.

The seminar focused on “Stress and the Brain: The Link between Stress and Depression” and addressed science-backed tools to protect brain health and well-being. HDRF Founder and Chair Audrey Gruss and Executive Director Louisa Benton hosted the event.

Audrey Gruss emphasized the urgency of HDRF’s mission in today’s world. One third of Americans experience symptoms of depression, yet only half of patients respond to common medications. Since the introduction of the first SSRI in 1985, there has been little change in the common treatment of depression.

Louisa Benton summarized what HDRF scientists have discovered about the negative impact of toxic stress on the brain and how depression can result.

After a decade of essential brain research, HDRF’s Depression Task Force has identified numerous genes and molecules in the brain that can lead to novel treatments. HDRF is now launching the Clinical Trial-Drug Discovery Program to test new potential treatments in humans.

The Palm Beach Luncheon Seminar was made possible by our generous Luncheon underwriter, Yafa Signed Jewels. Yafa was represented at the Luncheon by Chris Del Gatto, Veronica Webb, and Sharleen and Maurice Moradof.

8th Annual Palm Beach Race of Hope,
July 8, 2026

With over 1,200 runners, the Eighth Annual Palm Beach Race of Hope 5K in February made it clear that HOPE has become part of Palm Beach life.

Many of the iconic businesses that make Palm Beach special embraced the Race and urged their clients to participate. From hot spots like the Colony Hotel and Le Bilboquet, to world-class designers Livingston Builders and Top of Mind, to major patient care such as Hanger Prosthetics, Race of Hope lies close to the heart of the city.

“So many local businesses know that mental health is a lever issue that affects every aspect of community health.”

— Audrey Gruss, HDRF Founder & Chair, Co-Grand Marshal

She and HDRF Advisory Council member Scott Snyder served as Co-Grand Marshals of the event. Thanks to a groundswell of local support, the event raised over $1.1 million and counting for life-saving research into new treatments for depression and anxiety.

View photos of the Race here.

See all of the finisher times by clicking here.

Thank you to all of our event sponsors, participants, and volunteers! Your support and commitment to HDRF’s research mission is truly inspiring and makes a world of difference.