The Watergate Hotel, Washington, D.C. | Mental Health Awareness Month

The inaugural Project Blackbird Gala was an incredible success, bringing together community leaders, government representatives, national sponsors, and partners in support of our mission to end the stigma around mental health and expand access to care.

Held on May 2, 2025, at the historic Watergate Hotel during Mental Health Awareness Month, the gala served as both a celebration and a call to action. Together, we raised vital funds that will allow Project Blackbird to expand its reach, continue its storytelling initiatives, and — through our exclusive partnership with Talkspace — provide free therapy for 10,500 students in need.

The evening featured:
Inspiring Performances from acclaimed artists who used their platforms to amplify our message.
Gourmet Desserts by a celebrity chef, creating a memorable shared experience for guests.
Immersive Partner Activations that highlighted creative approaches to mental health awareness.
A powerful moment of solidarity as over 300 attendees — including policy-makers, legislators, and celebrity ambassadors — stood together in support of accessible mental health resources.

More than just a fundraiser, the gala served as a bridge between advocacy, policy, and culture, raising awareness at every level — from students and families to government leaders and national partners.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Project Blackbird is positioned to double our annual impact, reaching over 20,000 people with our message in 2025 and beyond.

This was only the beginning. We look forward to building on this momentum at the 2nd Annual Project Blackbird Gala at Nationals Park Stadium in Washington, D.C. in 2026.