The Ray Hotel Hosts JED’s Fifth Annual Florida Gala to Benefit Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Programs

The event honored author and entrepreneur Scott Galloway and host sponsor NFP, raising over $375,000

[Oct. 31, 2024, Delray Beach, Fla., and New York City] — The Jed Foundation (JED) hosted its fifth annual Florida Gala at The Ray Hotel on Oct. 26. 150 guests attended the popular fundraising event to help raise over $375,000 in support JED’s lifesaving mission of protecting emotional health and preventing suicide in teens and young adults.

The event was hosted by NFP, an Aon Company, and included remarks from JED leaders, honored guests, and students, as well as a silent auction and Call to the Heart pledge benefitting JED’s work with schools. NFP was recognized with JED’s Corporate Leadership Award. Scott Galloway, an author, entrepreneur, and professor, was also honored with the Champion of Mental Health Award. 

“When something comes off the tracks with one of our kids, our whole world just shrinks in. This is a fantastic organization that leverages the existing infrastructure of schools to reach kids, and I do think this is an issue we can all come together on,” said Galloway. “This is very meaningful for me.”

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10 to 14 and 25 to 24 nationwide. In Florida, 180,000 young people ages 12 to 17 have depression. School is where young people spend a great deal of their time, so JED works with more than 1,200 schools, districts, and campuses to reach over 6.5 million students nationwide. In Florida, JED works with nine schools, reaching over 230,000 students to foster supportive environments. 

“JED’s Fifth Annual Florida Gala was an outstanding celebration of the progress being made to protect emotional health and prevent suicide for teens and young adults,” said Bill Austin, Managing Director of NFP, an Aon Company. “The way JED engages, educates, and empowers is an inspiration, and NFP is so proud to be part of it. We are also grateful for the momentum in expanding high school programming across Palm Beach County, which is changing and saving lives. NFP is committed to advancing well-being for young people, and we appreciate JED for providing vision and leadership that make a lasting difference.”

Areli Rosales, JED’s 2024 Student Voice of Mental Health Award recipient, was also honored for her passion and dedication to youth mental health. Dr. Ralph Maurer, Head of School at Oxbridge Academy in West Palm Beach, offered remarks on his school’s prioritization of student wellness within the community as a JED High School.

“The Jed Foundation is appreciative of our Florida friends and community members for their passion, advocacy, and dedication to youth mental health and suicide prevention efforts,” said JED CEO John MacPhee. “The unwavering support from this community allows JED to continue its critical work in schools, reaching students who may be struggling and connecting them to lifesaving resources.”

The event was sponsored by NFP, An Aon Company (host), Delray Dermatology + Cosmetic Center, Paley Orthopedic & Spine Institute, Kobren Law, Major League Baseball, Cloud 10 Blow Dry Bar & Beauty Salon, Aflac, Moss, Nicholson Muir Distinguished Meats, Roly’s Trucking Inc., Kolter, and The Presson Group.

To view photos from the gala, click here. 

About The Jed Foundation
JED is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults. We’re partnering with high schools, colleges, and school districts to strengthen their mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention programs and systems. We’re equipping teens and young adults with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and each other. We’re encouraging community awareness, understanding, and action for young adult mental health.

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Media Contact
Justin Barbo
Public Relations Director
The Jed Foundation (JED)
justin@jedfoundation.org
914-844-4611