Hope For Depression Kicks Off 2021 Winter Virtual Race of Hope
Drive-By Luncheon Thanks Top Donors for their Generous Support
Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF) hosted a socially- distanced Drive-By Lunch on February 4th at the Royal Poinciana Plaza to kick off the (virtual) Third Annual Palm Beach Race of Hope, which will take place on February 27th, 2021. The West Courtyard of the Plaza was transformed into a yellow wonderland, recreating the charity’s signature Palm Beach Race that has been its marquee winter event since 2019. Sunshine yellow is the signature color of the foundation, and it gave an uplifting and happy vibe to the day. A sea of HDRF’s signature HOPE yellow balloons (recyclable and environmentally friendly) paved the way to the giant truss marking the starting line.
Adhering to the CDC guidelines, Audrey Gruss, founder and chair of HDRF, her Co-Grand Marshal Scott 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. Each guest was then handed a delicious to-go picnic basket for two provided by Sant Ambroeus that contained a salad of tri-colored lettuce with avocado, cherry tomatoes, hearts of palm and mozzarella; focaccia panini with turkey, tomato and mozzarella; and bags of assorted biscotti. In addition, guests received a tin of Black River Caviar Russian Oscietra, and a Frances Valentine tote bag laden with gifts.
Among the Race of Hope committee members who attended were Hilary Geary Ross, Melanie and Pauline Pitt, Felicia Taylor, Denis Coleman, Eleanora Kennedy, Lynne Wheat, Sharon Bush and Bob Murray, Tom Quick, Roger Lawson, Ellen Wilner and Clelia and Tom Zacharias.
Corporate Sponsors also attended including 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.
“We are so grateful for the support of our Palm Beach Race of Hope Committee and Sponsors,” said Audrey 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.”
Photos by Capehart Photography
