#United States #New York City #JED Foundation #UBS Optimus #Tom Kitt

2026 JED Gala: A Night to Remember

On June 3, 2026, The Jed Foundation (JED) hosted its annual gala at Cipriani Wall Street, New York City. The event was not just a celebration but a powerful reminder of the strides made in youth mental health advocacy, gathering around 650 attendees and raising an impressive $1.7 million. These funds are crucial for supporting JED's mission, which focuses on protecting emotional health and preventing suicide among teens and young adults across the nation.

JED has made remarkable progress over the years, establishing partnerships with nearly 1,500 schools and community organizations. The foundation's efforts have benefitted about 10 million young individuals through evidence-based mental health and suicide prevention programs. Moreover, educational campaigns have reached over 30 million stakeholders, showcasing JED's commitment to fostering a supportive environment for youth.

The gala returned for its third year with Emmy Award-winning journalist Savannah Sellers as the host. This year's event held a deeper significance as it marked JED's first celebration following the announcement of its planned merger with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). This merger aims to create the country’s largest nonprofit entity focused on suicide prevention, set to roll out with regulatory approvals expected in the fall.

Phillip M. Satow, co-founder and chair emeritus, took the stage to discuss the next steps in the merger that promises to unify resources and expertise in combatting youth suicide. The emphasis is on leveraging combined strengths to enhance mental health outcomes nationwide.

A highlight of the evening was the recognition of Tom Kitt, a prominent Tony, Emmy, Grammy, and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer. Kitt was presented with the 2026 Voice of Mental Health Award for his remarkable contributions to raising awareness around youth mental health. His acclaimed rock musical, Next to Normal, addresses significant mental health issues, making him a fitting honoree. Kitt expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the importance of creating art that delves into the human experience with compassion and empathy.

In another significant moment, UBS Optimus Foundation was awarded the 2026 Corporate Voice of Mental Health Award. The foundation was recognized for its leadership in enhancing young adult mental health through a comprehensive, systems-level approach. Liza Green, CEO of UBS Optimus Foundation US, highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in ensuring mental health remains a priority in philanthropy, especially for youth.

The gala's atmosphere was further enlivened by inspiring performances. Kitt composed an original song titled I've Got You, which he dedicated to JED and its advocates. Other performers included Tony Award-winner Adrienne Warren, singer-songwriter Emily Saliers from the Indigo Girls, and the Young People's Chorus of New York City. The emotional high point was the heartfelt presentation by the 2026 Student Voice of Mental Health Award recipients, Sarah Shelke and Kyra Wagner, who passionately spoke about their commitments to mental health advocacy informed by their personal experiences.

As the evening drew to a close, attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to mental health advocacy. The gala not only honored outstanding efforts but also spotlighted the crucial work still needed to ensure that no young individual struggles alone with mental health issues. The collaboration among leaders in philanthropy, business, and cultural sectors at the JED Gala underscores the collective responsibility to support youth mental health initiatives.

To continue their vital work, The Jed Foundation encourages donors to contribute through their website, ensuring both immediate and lasting impact on the lives of youth across the country.

For the latest updates and insights from The Jed Foundation, join them on their social media platforms or visit jedfoundation.org.

Through initiatives and events like the JED Gala, the foundation is making significant waves in creating a future where emotional well-being is prioritized, and young people can thrive in a supportive community.