Celebrating mental health awareness: A look at Project Healthy Minds’ upcoming events

Project Healthy Minds, a non-profit organization driven by Millennial and Gen Z advocates, has announced the lineup for its third annual World Mental Health Day Festival and the guest list for its second annual World Mental Health Day Gala. These events are set to take place on October 10th at New York City’s Hudson Yards and Spring Studios, respectively.

A star-studded festival lineup

The 2024 edition of the festival promises an impressive array of participants, including:

Demi Lovato
Michael D. Ratner, CEO of OBB Media
Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York
Brian Koppelman, showrunner and producer
Andy Dunn, CEO of Bonobos
Gary Gulman, comedian
Julie Rice, co-founder of SoulCycle
Carson Daly, co-anchor of the “Today” show

These influential figures will share their insights and experiences, contributing to a broader conversation about mental health.

Gala guests and honorees

The gala, hosted by Carson Daly with an introduction from “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, will feature notable guests such as:

Laura Benanti
Paul Walter Hauser
Howard Schultz
Leo Pearlman

Additionally, Kyle Richards, producer and reality TV star, has been added as a dinner chair for the event.

Honoring trailblazers and visionaries

Several awards will be presented during the gala, recognizing individuals and organizations making significant contributions to mental health:

Chance the Rapper will receive the first-ever Project Healthy Minds Trailblazer of the Year Award.
Michael Ratner will be honored as Storyteller of the Year, with the award presented by Demi Lovato.
The Humanitarian of the Year award will go to The Yabuki Foundation.
KPMG will be recognized as the Corporate Visionary of the Year.

Insights from the founder

Phillip Schermer, founder and CEO of Project Healthy Minds, expressed his excitement about the upcoming events:

“I’m thrilled to welcome this year’s participants into our community of allies, all working to create a brighter future for mental health. Their dedication to advancing the conversation is truly inspiring, and we are honored to provide them with a platform to share their stories.”

Mainstage highlights

The festival will feature several engaging panels, including:

The price of passion: Mental health in the founder’s journey

This panel, featuring Andy Dunn and Julie Rice, will delve into the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by entrepreneurs. They will discuss the emotional and psychological toll of building successful ventures and the importance of mental well-being in the entrepreneurial journey.

Punchlines for progress: Comedy’s power to shift how Americans feel and talk about mental health

Comedian Gary Gulman will lead this panel, exploring how comedy can be a powerful tool for mental health awareness. By using humor, comedians can break down stigmas and encourage open conversations about mental health issues.

A night to remember

Carson Daly, a proud board member of Project Healthy Minds, shared his enthusiasm for the gala:

“It’s like prom for us at Project Healthy Minds. As a proud board member, I have a front-row seat to all the incredible work that goes into this event. We’re so appreciative of all the participants and sponsors who support the cause.”

For more details about the festival and gala, visit the Project Healthy Minds website.

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