Last week (October 10th), Project Healthy Minds, a Millennial and Gen Z-driven mental health tech non-profit, held its second annual World Mental Health Day Gala at New York's Spring Studios. During the elegant evening, three-time Grammy winner Chance the Rapper was presented with the first-ever Project Healthy Minds Trailblazer of the Year Award for his dedication to mental health awareness and youth empowerment through his non-profit SocialWorks. The renowned musician also performed his hit songs "Child of God" and "Blessings."
The moment was even more special for Chance as the first-ever Trailblazer of the Year Award was presented to him by TODAY co-anchor, Project Healthy Minds Board of Directors member and Gala host, Carson Daly. It marked a reunion for "The Voice" host and former judge.
Upon receiving the honor, Chance the Rapper expressed his gratitude for the organization's commitment to mental health and opened up about what inspired his own work in the space, stating, "It's an honor to be recognized by an organization like Project Healthy Minds, who's been working relentlessly to make sure that mental health resources are accessible and that the conversation around mental health stays loud, stays open, and, most importantly, stays human."
On his nonprofit work, he continued, "I've been lucky enough in my life to create a program for my nonprofit, SocialWorks, that also helps those in need of mental health resources. When we started SocialWorks in 2016, our goal was to empower and uplift in Chicago, whether it was through education, the arts or homelessness support, we always knew that mental health would be a key part. So many young people in our communities face challenges that we don't always see on the surface, and for them, mental health resources are not a luxury," adding, "Just like Project Healthy Minds, we believe in using technology to meet people where they are."
The Project Healthy Minds World Mental Health Day Gala supported the organization's mission to connect over 10 million Americans over the next 10 years with mental health services through its groundbreaking free digital marketplace. Attendees also included global superstar Demi Lovato who presented Founder and CEO of OBB Media, Michael D. Ratner, with the Storyteller of the Year Award, as well as TODAY co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, Actress and Gala Dinner Chair, Sanaa Lathan, influencers Remi Bader and Tinx, Indianapolis Colts vice chair/owner Kalen Irsay Jackson, actress Stéphanie Szostak, model Camille Fishel, New York Times best-selling author and Peloton instructor Tunde Oyeynin; Ally Shapiro, entrepreneur and daughter of former Housewives cast member Jill Zarin; Fanatics owner and CEO Michael Rubin; Board members Lisa Licht and Wayfarer Studios President Tera Hanks; dinner chairs Dr. Jennifer Ashton (who attended with her husband, former TV exec and Boston Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner), philanthropist Sheri Disney, artist Peter Tunney and the Gala's artistic curator, alice + olivia CEO and Creative Director, Stacey Bendet.
Shoutout to Project Healthy Minds on another successful event. Also, congrats to Chance and Michael D. Ratner on their awards. Check out some photos from the gala below!