"The Plaza Hotel has always performed a kind of alchemy in November. Its marble floors gleam with a wintered radiance, its chandeliers scatter light like finely cut glass, and its famed Palm Court transforms into a microcosm of New York's holiday anticipationtwinkling garlands, gold-ribboned wreaths, evergreen branches flirting with crystal ornaments. This year, the magic of that storied setting carried a deeper resonance, because earlier this month, the Plaza became the stage for one of the most emotionally charged and intellectually vital gatherings in the city's philanthropic landscape: the 19th Annual Hope for Depression Research Foundation Luncheon"
"Depression, far from an abstract medical challenge, has become the quiet epidemic of our age. HDRF's work, under the visionary leadership of Audrey Gruss, focuses on advancing the science that can dismantle the stigma, rewrite the narrative, and ultimately save lives. The luncheon served as a convergence point for research innovators, philanthropists, cultural leaders, and those who have known the sharp edges of despair firsthand."
"Few moments captured the collective breath of the room more powerfully than the tribute to this year's honoree, Audra McDonald. The six-time Tony Award winner, Grammy and Emmy recipient, and Juilliard-trained sopranooften hailed as one of the most accomplished performers of her generationaccepted the 2025 Hope Award for Mental Health Advocacy with a courage that reframed her legacy in real time."
The Plaza Hotel hosted the 19th Annual Hope for Depression Research Foundation Luncheon Seminar focused on stress and its link to depression. The setting combined holiday pageantry with a solemn emphasis on advancing scientific understanding and reducing stigma. HDRF's work under Audrey Gruss aims to fund research to dismantle stigma, rewrite narratives, and save lives. The luncheon gathered researchers, philanthropists, cultural leaders, and people with lived experience. Audra McDonald received the 2025 Hope Award for Mental Health Advocacy and disclosed her history of depression and suicide attempts, creating a powerful moment that underscored the urgency of the scientific and humanitarian mission.
Read at www.amny.com
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