On Friday, January 24, 2020, Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF) hosted two kick-off events in the three-week countdown to its second annual Race of Hope to Defeat Depression, a 5K Run/Walk in February that raises awareness and funds for brain research.

A cocktail reception for the Race of Hope Committee started the festivities for the evening at La Clara sales gallery.  Over 50 guests enjoyed caviar and passed hors d’oeuvres from 6-8 pm in the marble-floored gallery which replicates an actual residence at La Clara condominium.  HDRF Founding Chair Audrey Gruss and Board Member Scott Snyder, Race Co-Grand Marshals, welcomed all the guests with a toast.

“Thank you for joining us and bringing your positive energy to defeat depression, the number one cause of disability worldwide” said Audrey Gruss.  She announced that hundreds of people of all ages were already signed up for the Race, which will be on Saturday, February 15 at 8 am in the town of Palm Beach.

“You can run, you can walk, you can stroll, you can bring your children, your babies in strollers, your dog – whatever keeps you moving!,” added Scott Snyder.

After the cocktail, HDRF hosted an exclusive four-course dinner at Sant Ambroeus to thank the top donors and sponsors of the Race.  Over 50 guests filled long tables decorated with bursts of roses in HDRF’s signature yellow.  Attendees included: James Borynack and Adolfo Zaralegui, Deborah and Philippe Dauman, Maria and Ken Fishel, Jillian and David Gilmour, Ritchey Goodwin, David Granville, Martin Gruss, Myrna Haft,  Eleanora Kennedy, Sam and Lisa Lehrman, Susan Lloyd, Muffy and Donald Miller, Renée Morrison, Lynne Wheat and Thomas Peterffy, Jeffrey Pfeifle, Thomas Quick, Teresa and James C. Remez, Christine and Gene Pressman, Lisette and Hank Siegel, and Felicia Taylor.

Once guests were seated, Audrey and Scott thanked them and introduced the evening’s main sponsor, Graham Gaspard, CEO of Black River Caviar.  The guests savored a Black River Caviar sampler of Imperial Oscietra on a steamed potato coin with crème fraiche, paired with champagne.  Gaspard announced that he would donate 25% of the proceeds of any orders of caviar during the next month to HDRF.  He added he would increase the donation to 50% for any orders over $2,000.

Check out 3 page album!

Photos by Capehart Photography