Millennial and Gen Z-led mental health technology nonprofit Project Healthy Minds has announced participants for its 3rd World Mental Health Day Festival and guests for its 2nd World Mental Health Day Gala. The festival will be held at Hudson Yards in New York City on October 10th, with a gala opening that evening at Spring Studios.
Previously revealed participants for the 2024 festival include Demi Lovato, OBB Media CEO Michael D. Ratner, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, showrunner and producer Brian Koppelman, and Bonobos CEO Andy Dunn, comedian Gary Gallman, SoulCycle co-founder Julie Rice and the “Today” show’s Carson Daly. Gala guests include Laura Benanti, Paul Walter Hauser, Howard Schultz, and Leo Perlman. The gala was hosted by Carson Daly, who was introduced by Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, who serves as dinner chair with her husband, FGS Global Co-Chairman Mike Feldman. Producer and reality TV star Kyle Richards also joined the Project Healthy Minds Gala Dinner Chair.
“We are thrilled to welcome this year’s participants to our allied community, all of whom are working to build a brighter future for mental health,” said Philip, Founder and CEO of Project Healthy Minds. Shermer said. “Their dedication to advancing the conversation is truly inspiring, and we are honored to provide them with a platform to share their stories.”
Among the honors handed out at the event, Chance the Rapper received the inaugural Project Healthy Minds Trailblazer of the Year Award. In addition, Michael Ratner was awarded “Storyteller of the Year” (presented by Demi Lovato), “Humanitarian of the Year” was awarded by the Yabuki Foundation, and “Corporate Visionary of the Year” was awarded. KPMG will receive the award.
“It’s like prom for us at Project Healthy Minds,” Daley added. “As a proud board member, I have a front row seat to all the great work that goes into this event. We would like to thank all the participants and sponsors who supported this cause. I am very grateful.”
The main stage festivities at the World Mental Health Day Festival began with “The Price of Passion: Mental Health in the Founder’s Journey,” with panelists Dunn and Rice, about the less-discussed mental toll of success as an entrepreneur. Let’s discuss. “Punchlines for Progress: The Power of Comedy to Change the Way Americans Feel and Talk About Mental Health” concluded the event, with panelist Gurman discussing how comedians are using their platforms to support mental health awareness. Let’s discuss whether it can be used.
For more information, please visit the Project Healthy Minds site (www.projecthealthyminds.com).
