November is the month of gratitude, and we are especially thankful for the 19th Annual Hope For Depression Research Foundation’s (HDRF) Luncheon held on November 12th at the Plaza Hotel. This anticipated event highlights current research and protocols related to the illness affecting so many. Master of Ceremonies, the incomparable Chuck Scarborough, will present the subject of “Stress and the Brain: The Link between Stress and Depression.”
Audrey Gruss, founder and chair of HDRF, knows well the ripple effect of depression. Her mother, Hope, suffered greatly from this debilitating disease when there was so little known about it.
“When I first founded HDRF, depression was rarely talked about, and I realized we needed to raise awareness about this medical illness, which is now the #1 reason in the world for disability. Each Hope Luncheon Seminar helped educate our audience about the social and scientific challenges of depression, and I think we have made great strides in bringing mental health to the forefront of our lives, our media, and the general public.”
Indeed the organization has made great strides in reducing the stigma associated with depression. Prominent voices, including Mariska Hargitay, Brooke Shields, Dakota Johnson, Terry Bradshaw, Ashley Judd, Anderson Cooper, and Mariel Hemingway have bravely stepped up to share their stories of struggle.
This year the foundation will honor Emmy, Grammy, and Tony award-winning singer and actor Audra McDonald with the Hope Award for Mental Health Advocacy. McDonald will be honored for her bravery in sharing her mental health journey while navigating a demanding career.
Audra McDonald’s illustrious career spans stage and screen, earning her a record-breaking six Tony Awards for her work in musical theater and plays. She is celebrated for her powerful soprano voice and compelling dramatic performances across various genres.
This highly anticipated event draws attendees from all professions to hear the latest developments from leading scientists and psychiatrists. The seminar will explore positive tools that can help you and your loved ones maintain balance amid the pace of modern life.
For what to wear to the luncheon and seminar, we took our cue from Audrey:“The Hope color that we consider to be uplifting and positive is bright yellow, because it reminds us of happy, sunny days and positive feelings.” This deep golden shade is just perfect to brighten November days and nights — pairing it with black elevates the stylish duo. Separates are in vogue and we discover a delightful collection to mix and match with ease. Boot season is upon us and we found two stunning pairs for cozy style.
Brilliant and beautiful HDRF Executive Director Louisa Benton shares: “The Luncheon is a day when we share our progress toward a new era of psychiatry based on a fuller understanding of the brain as a complex neurochemical organ. The Luncheon is truly inspiring and raises awareness and critical funds for depression research.”
Hilary’s choices are lighter and brighter. “I love soft shades of yellow. They brighten any look and with a sweater or a jacket you can wear them year round. They definitely evoke a happy and cheerful feeling.”
Founder and CEO of Frances Valentine, Elyce Arons, will be awarded the 2025 Hope for Community Award for her decade-long support to HDRF and their fundraising events. In her new book, We Might Just Make It After All: My Best Friendship with Kate Spade, Arons details the chronicles of her friendship and business partnership with Kate Spade.
The memoir emphasizes Spade’s vibrant personality, and shares her private struggle with depression that led to suicide in 2018.
There are startling facts about depression. As The World Health Organization declared, it is the #1 cause of disability in this country, and yet conventional medications don’t work for 50% of patients. Audrey’s idea was to create a dream team of scientists. “The creation of our Depression Task Force years ago was like bringing the ‘justice league’ of neuroscience together. I’m proud to say that our DTF consists of our superheroes, who have collaborated to create the most advanced depression research in the country.”
Click below to read the Tasks Force latest groundbreaking research.
HDRF has raised more than $80 million for breakthrough research that offers hope to transform the way depression is viewed, diagnosed, treated and prevented. Please join the solution for hope.
