Suicide Prevention Non-Profit Garrett’s Space to Host Star-Studded 24-Hour Virtual Fundraiser
ANN ARBOR – Garrett’s Space, an Ann Arbor-based suicide prevention non-profit, is hosting Go24forGarrett’sSpace, a 24-hour livestream fundraiser on Sept. 11, 2022. The event is intended to educate, inspire and entertain. The livestream lineup is filled with star-studded musical performances, presentations from inspirational speakers touched by suicide, and yoga, fitness and meditation classes.
Garrett’s Space was founded by Julie and Scott Halpert in 2017 when they lost their son Garrett to suicide at age 23. The 3rd Annual Go24forGarrett’s Space livestream event 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 significant mental health issues.
Last year, the event raised $118,000.
“Go24forGarrett’sSpace is an opportunity to shine a light on the serious impact suicide and mental health challenges have on our community,” Julie Halpert said. “Today, more than ever, there is a tremendous need for Garrett’s Space and the services we provide. We’re thrilled to welcome well-known personas and celebrities to our 24-hour livestream event for an exciting
day of performances and entertainment.”
Mental health issues are widespread among young people in our country. A national survey taken in December 2021 of over 1,700 18 to 24 year olds by the Harris polling group found that 70 percent reported having moderate to severe depression. Garrett’s Space plans to make its programming and residential center models that can be replicated nationwide.
The 24-hour livestream will feature guest segments from accomplished Broadway and television performers and politicians, including:
● Reneé Rapp, a star of Mean Girls and the Netflix show, The Sex Lives of College Girls
● Comedian Rosie O’Donnell
● Christopher and Erik Ewers, directors of the new Ken Burns film, Hiding in Plain Sight
● Leading mental health advocate Patrick Kennedy
● U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin
● Michigan Senator Gary Peters
The fundraiser also will feature an online auction with a range of exciting items donated by over 100 businesses and individuals.
Garrett’s Space currently provides a much-needed support option to struggling young adults through its Wellness Group, where young adults are gathering virtually for a support group with
their peers and movement, breathing and mindfulness activities.
“While seeking treatment for Garrett, we witnessed first-hand the critical gaps in support in our healthcare system for struggling young adults who need something more than regular visits to their therapist but aren’t actively suicidal,” Scott Halpert said. “We believe the services we’re striving to provide may have helped restore hope for our son, and we want to provide that hope for youth struggling today.”
Join Go24forGarrett’s Space online anytime from 11 a.m. on September 11th through 11 a.m. on September 12th for the virtual fundraiser 24-hour livestream. Please visit the Garrett’s Space
website for more information, or join the livestream here.
We are grateful to this year’s sponsors: Autodesk, Ashley and Jonathan Oberheide, Caitlin Klein and Joe Malcoun, Baird – Olson Bellfi Pham Group and Retirement Income Solutions, Inc.
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
