ANN ARBOR – Garrett’s Space, an Ann Arbor-based suicide prevention non-profit, will host Go4GarrettsSpace, its first in person fundraiser on August 25th, 2023 in the Morris Lawrence Building on the Washtenaw Community College Campus from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The 4th annual Go4GarrettsSpace will raise funds to support the Garrett’s Space wellness program and the establishment of a holistically focused residential center for young adults ages 18-28 struggling with depression and anxiety. It will be filled with musical performances, presentations from well-known performers and inspirational speakers touched by suicide, along with healing activities such as yoga, fitness and meditation sessions. At 7:30, the Halperts will speak and also honor Ellie Serras with the first Spirit of Garrett award.
The Garrett’s Space website has more details on the event. Tickets are available for purchase here. The event will also be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.
Garrett’s Space was founded by Julie and Scott Halpert in 2017 when they lost their son Garrett to suicide at age 23. “Garrett’s Space is all about connections so we’re thrilled that, after three years, we can gather in person to celebrate the strides that Garrett’s Space has made and showcase the value we’ll bring to the community with our residential center,” said Julie Halpert. “We’re looking forward to hosting both an inspirational and entertaining event.”
Mental health issues are widespread among young people in our country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth age 15-24. Additionally, two national surveys found that 70% of young adults ages 18-24 reported being moderately to severely depressed. Garrett’s Space plans to make its programming and residential center models that can be replicated nationwide to help address this major public health crisis.
The event will feature an array of a capella groups, Broadway performers, classical musicians, jazz ensembles and popular artists, including Los Angeles-based R&B/soul singer/songwriter Jacob Sigman.
The event will also feature video presentations from accomplished performers and musicians including:
- ● Lucy Liu, award-winning actress
- ● Wynonna Judd, musician
- ● Rachel Bloom, star of My Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
- ● Phillipa Soo, who played Eliza in Hamilton and is now starring in Camelot on Broadway
- ● Santa Ono, University of Michigan PresidentThe fundraiser is being produced and hosted by Mario Sulaksana, a musician who was one of Garrett’s closest friends. He’ll be joined by Chelsea Goen, a New York-based actor who recently finished performing in a national tour of Wicked.There will be a silent auction with over 100 amazing items donated by community businesses and individuals.
Garrett’s Space currently provides a much-needed support option to struggling young adults through its Wellness Programming, where young adults gather virtually for a weekly support group with their peers and movement, breathing and mindfulness activities.
“Young adults are struggling now more than ever. And our Wellness Programming is already making a difference in the lives of our participants,” said Scott Halpert. “There’s never been a greater need for our support option.”
We are so grateful to this year’s many sponsors: the Mericos Foundation, AutoDesk, David Buss, Irv & Nancy Leon, Patrick & Sandi Seyferth, Denise & Daniel Hamburger, Masco Corporation, Paul & Courtney McCreadie, Peter & Leila Hamp, Tim & Sally Petersen, Betsy Mericos Foundation, AutoDesk, David Buss, Irv & Nancy Leon, Patrick & Sandi Seyferth, Denise
& Daniel Hamburger, Masco Corporation, Paul & Courtney McCreadie, Peter & Leila Hamp, Tim & Sally Petersen, Betsy & Ben McCallister, Franklin S. & Jennifer M. Moore Family Foundation, Nancy & Patrick Paige, Amy Kantgias, Baird Capital – Olson Bellfi Pham Group, Bank of Ann Arbor, Betsy Yvonne Mark, Caitlin Klein &Joe Malcoun, Diane Orley/Daily Crunch Snacks, Domino’s, Larry & Wendy Kohlenberg, Michael Lippitt, Michigan Medicine, Retirement Income Solutions, Roger Klein, and Zingerman’s Community of Businesses (Committed sponsors as of 07/19/2023).
About Garrett’s Space
Garrett’s Space is a suicide prevention nonprofit dedicated to addressing gaps in treatment for young adults experiencing distress due to mental health challenges. We are working to reduce suicides in young adults by providing programming and a holistically focused center that promotes wellness, healing, self-worth and resilience.
