The Hope for Depression Research Foundation Kicks Off the 2021 Race of Hope in Palm Beach
Originally appeared on Avenue Magazine on February 17, 2021. Click here to view.
The Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF)’s third-annual Palm Beach Race of Hope is going semi-virtual this season.
The event — which takes place February 27 — will allow participants to choose their own path and race distance (10k, 15k, half marathon, or marathon), and spectators can tune in to watch them on a special live broadcast online.
Beginning at 8 am EST, Audrey Gruss, founder and chair of HDRF, and her co-grand marshal Scott Snyder will welcome viewers, show messages of hope from participants across the nation, and then blow the starting gun at 8:30 am.
Earlier this month, the HDRF hosted a socially- distanced drive-by lunch at the Royal Poinciana Plaza, kicking off the Race.
Gruss, Snyder, and Louisa Benton, executive director of HDRF, waved and welcomed Race of Hope committee members and sponsors as they drove through the starting line.
Hilary Geary Ross, Melanie and Pauline Pitt, Felicia Taylor, Denis Coleman, Eleanora Kennedy, Lynne Wheat, Sharon Bush, Bob Murray, Tom Quick, Roger Lawson, Ellen Wilner, and Clelia and Tom Zacharias were among the Race for Hope committee members in attendance. They were joined by sponsors like Inez Fulgo Heery of Betteridge Jewelers, Hank Siegel of Hamilton Jewelers, Adam Sheffer of Pace Gallery, Susan Taylor of Impala Asset Management, Robert Riva of Sunreef Yachts, and Chris Leavitt and Alison Newton of La Clara Luxury Residences.
Guests were given a tin of Black River Caviar Russian Oscietra, a Frances Valentine tote bag laden with gifts, and a to-go picnic basket for two by Sant Ambroeus, featuring a salad with avocado, cherry tomatoes, hearts of palm, and mozzarella; a focaccia panini with turkey, tomato and mozzarella; and biscotti.
“We are so grateful for the support of our Palm Beach Race of Hope Committee and Sponsors,” said Gruss. “The need for mental health research is more important than ever due to the strain of the Covid-19 crisis on the nation’s mental health, and our Palm Beach supporters are really stepping up to meet the moment.”