We are thrilled that the 15th Annual Hope for Depression Luncheon is back live! This anticipated annual event highlights current research and protocols associated with the illness of many individuals, families and friends. On Wednesday, November 10th, the Ballroom of The Plaza Hotel will be abuzz with the fascinating and critical discoveries taking place in the treatment of the disease. Audrey Gruss knows well the ripple effect of depression — her mother Hope suffered greatly from this debilitating disease when there was so little known about it.
“Fifteen years ago 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, in 15 years, I think we have made great strides in bringing mental health to the forefront of our lives, our media and the general public.”
Michael Phelps is the award recipient this year. His commitment to spreading the word about depression is significant. As Audrey explained, “He was the first of the elite athletes to speak out about depression and we are all eager to hear how he handled depression while winning 28 Olympic medals.” We applaud his courage in sharing his struggle. Other prominent outspoken individuals including Brooke Shields, Terry Bradshaw, Ashley Judd, Anderson Cooper and Mariel Hemingway have all contributed to the important focus of HDRF — to educate the public, correct misinformation, and reduce the stigma associated with illnesses of the mind and brain.
So for what to wear on such an auspicious occasion, we turned to Audrey for advice. “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.” Hilary agrees. “Last year we attended this event by zoom and how fabulous that we will be there in person this year! Yellow is the preferred color of the day and it is so uplifting. I found dresses that I can wear now and into the warmer seasons. Neutral accessories compliment the warm tone as well as feminine floral earrings.”
Following suit, here are some bright sunny choices from Saks.com. I am obsessed with boots of all kinds but the Jonathan Simkhai vegan leather “tight boots” really steal the show this year, especially when paired with a feminine frock like these. Soft clutches are all the rage and the two variations add a chic flair.
Yellow and black is a perfect pairing, after all bumble bees do it so well. We call these “dinner tops.” Just add a great pair of black pants — Veronica Beard’s fit is sensational — slip on some pumps or high heeled boots and you are ready to go!
There are startling facts about depression. As Audrey explained, it is the #1 cause of disability in this country; someone dies of suicide every 14 minutes because of depression, and it costs a billion dollars a year to the US economy.
Audrey’s idea was to create a dream team of scientists. “The creation of our Depression Task Force (DTF) ten 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.” 2021 Research Report illuminates the ground breaking and far reaching research on the subject.
Is there anyone whose lives have not been affected personally by some form of depression? Join HDRF in their proactive quest for answers and solutions.
And please take a moment to watch a video on Task Force …
