ANN ARBOR – Garrett’s Space, an Ann Arbor-based suicide prevention non-profit, will host its annual fundraiser, Go4GarrettsSpace, on Saturday, August 24th at the Morris Lawrence Building on the Washtenaw Community College Campus from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
This year’s event will bring together 250+ community members who are committed to providing hope and healing for young adults struggling with depression and anxiety. Guests will enjoy a light dinner, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, dessert, and a silent auction filled with donations from dozens of local businesses.
There will be a compelling program featuring former Garrett’s Space Wellness Programming participants, an update on our envisioned non-medical residential center from co-founders Julie and Scott Halpert, and the second annual “Spirit of Garrett” award ceremony in memory of Natalie Charach. Guests will have the opportunity to attend a meditation session at 5:30 p.m. as well as a healing sound bath at 9:00 p.m.
The fundraiser is being hosted, as it has since its inception, by Mario Sulaksana, a Los Angeles-based musician who was one of Garrett’s closest friends. Throughout the evening guests will hear video testimonials from young adults struggling with depression and anxiety, and Garrett’s Space supporters including Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, U-M President Santa Ono, sports commentator Mike Tirico, author and filmmaker Davy Rothbart, and CNN commentator and former senior advisor to President Barack Obama David Axelrod.
Event tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at garrettsspace.org/go4-2024. They are priced on a sliding scale, including a “Pay What You Can” option, to ensure the event is accessible to everyone.
Garrett’s Space was founded by Julie and Scott Halpert in 2017 when they lost their son Garrett to suicide at age 23. “We are excited to share the latest developments on the creation of our residential campus for young adults and the way that our current Wellness Programming is already making a huge difference in our community,” said Scott Halpert.
Young adults today are experiencing an unprecedented mental health crisis and there is a critical gap in mental health resources available to support them. National surveys show that half or more of high schoolers and young adults are struggling with depression or anxiety, and approximately 15% are contemplating taking their own life.
For over three years, Garrett’s Space has hosted free weekly Wellness Programming for struggling young adults (ages 18-28) as a supplement to individual therapy and psychiatric intervention. Participants come together in a group with professional facilitators for peer connection, support, and coping strategies. The program provides a welcoming space for young adults to learn and practice managing their feelings and navigating the world.
“Garrett’s Space provided me a space to understand my mental health better, and also feel comfortable talking about my struggles with mental illness in a space where I knew there would be no judgement towards me. Garrett’s Space provided me with a support network that I hadn’t found anywhere else,” said a former group participant (quoted with permission).
Garrett’s Space is truly grateful to all the individuals, corporations, and foundations who have chosen to sponsor Go4GarrettsSpace 2024. The following list is complete as of July 1, 2024:
Alchemy3, Ashley & Jon Oberheide, Baird Capital — Olson Bellfi Pham Group, Beth Israel Congregation, Betsy Yvonne Mark, Dan & Laura Waitz, Deb Stern, Diane Orley/Daily Crunch Snacks, Ellie Mental Health/Kailah Ayres-Tuttle, Gerry & Kathy Boylan, Hilary & Edan King, Jack & Julie Glazko, Jamie & Jim Abelson, Jane Glass, Jeff Alson, John & Marcy Sznewajs, Kathy & Jon Bowdler, Kim Yapchai & Vince Esser, Larry & Wendy Kohlenberg, Linda Aikens/Talisman Initiative, Living & Learning Enrichment Center, Michael & Sandy Lippitt, Michigan Medicine, Parikh Family Trust, Paul & Courtney McCreadie, Peter & Leela Hamp, Retirement Income Solutions, Roger Klein, Steven Fisher, The Heller Family, Tirico Family Fund and Zingerman’s Community of Businesses
To learn more details about the event and buy tickets, be a sponsor, and/or donate to our silent auction please visit the event page on our website.
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.
