The Jed Foundation Hosts Annual Gala Honoring Leadership in Mental Health & Suicide Prevention

Inspirational Evening Celebrates Those Who Protect the Mental Health of Our Nation’s Youth

NEW YORK, June 6, 2019 — The Jed Foundation (JED), a leading non-profit that exists to protect emotional health and prevent suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults hosted its 18th Annual Gala, Wednesday, June 5th at Cipriani Wall Street. The event followed an announcement from Kate Spade New York Foundation that it is donating $200,000 to JED and will match all public donations made to JED between June 5 and June 12, 2019, up to an additional $100,000.

Each year, JED’s Gala honors and celebrates organizations and individuals who use their voices, talents, and resources to prevent the devastating impact of emotional distress, addiction, mental illness, and suicide for our nation’s young people. This year, the gala was hosted by CNN anchor and journalist Poppy Harlow.

“I am thrilled to have hosted JED Gala 2019 as we continue to bring awareness to the amazing work being done by JED and its partners,” said Harlow. “It is important to make sure that all teens and young adults have the resources and skills to navigate mental health challenges, and JED works tirelessly to ensure those who need help are being heard and supported.”

Honorees at the event included:
– TLC, Television Network — JED Media Award for Leadership in Mental Health
– Nancy and Fred Poses, The Poses Family Foundation — JED Voice of Mental Health Award
– Enna Selmanovic, University of Cincinnati — JED Student Voice of Mental Health Award

With special guests:
– Chamique Holdsclaw, WNBA legend and mental health advocate
– Gracie Gold, U.S. figure skating champion and Olympic medalist
– Tom Kitt, Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning composer
– Brittany Snow, Actor, producer, advocate and co-founder of JED’s Love is Louder campaign

“Last night we recognized those who are helping to bring awareness and resources to teenagers and young adults facing mental health challenges and celebrated the impact we’ve made together on supporting the emotional health of teens and young adults over the past year,” said John MacPhee, Executive Director/CEO, JED. “To our partners and supporters, we thank you for your incredible commitment to strengthening mental health, substance misuse and suicide prevention programs. We are looking forward to continuing our work together.”