Seven-time Academy Award-nominated actress Glenn Close will be the keynote speaker at the virtual Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services Reflections of Hope event Feb. 11.
This compelling program was created in an effort to break the stigma associated with mental illness, a critical issue affecting one in four adults. Proceeds will benefit JFS’ Counseling & Mental Health Services, including the Welcome Home Program, south Palm Beach County’s only daytime drop-in center for adults with long-term mental illness.
Close will weave together stories about her life in film including anecdotes from some of her greatest roles as well as reflections on how continually reinventing herself made for a lasting, illustrious career. Close, a mental health advocate, will discuss ways we can end the stigma.
This year’s event will also include a performance by South Florida native singer/songwriter Nikki Lickstein, a rising country music star who has suffered with mental illness since she was young. She will share her story, including the effect COVID-19 has had on her mental health.
“This powerful event provides hope and inspiration and opens the door to a world of possibilities,” said Laura Litinsky, who is co-chairing the event with Marissa Hollander.
Hollander adds: “The community has provided overwhelming support of our efforts to raise awareness of mental illness which in turn helps us provide much needed services. Mental illness can affect us all as it doesn’t have socioeconomic or demographic barriers.”
Grand Benefactors of Reflections of Hope are Lori and Gregg Gottsegen, Robin and Gary Rubin, and Olivia and Gerald Shapiro.
The Boca Raton Observer is the event’s exclusive media sponsor.
For more information, call 561-852-5013 or email jillw@ralesjfs.org.