5th Annual A Brilliant Mind Gala
Thursday, October 8, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: TBD
As we celebrate our 10th year of impact, I am reaching out to invite you to join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities through our signature event, A Brilliant Mind Gala All-Black Sneaker Ball.
Silence the Shame was born out of my personal journey with depression, suicidal thoughts, and the devastating loss of loved ones to suicide. These experiences inspired me to create a movement that would peel back the layers of shame surrounding mental health and empower communities to access the support they need. What began as a grassroots effort in 2016 has grown into a pioneering nonprofit organization that is transforming lives and breaking barriers.
Over the past decade, STS has educated thousands through programs and resources and reached millions through awareness campaigns. We have created safe spaces for youth, families, and communities to normalize mental health conversations through education, advocacy, and leadership. Together, we are working toward a stigma-free, culturally competent world where mental wellness is a universal priority.
This year’s Gala is a celebration of this journey and an opportunity to honor champions who are working tirelessly to combat mental health stigma. Guests will enjoy an unforgettable evening featuring Atlanta’s top DJs, an exquisite curated menu, and a silent auction with exclusive items and experiences. Most importantly, we aim to raise $150,000 to expand our mental wellness programs and create a lasting impact.
Event Highlights
- Signature Cocktails & Curated Dinner: Indulge in a menu featuring Atlanta’s top chefs and iconic flavors.
- Silent Auction: Place your bids on exclusive items and experiences, with every dollar supporting mental wellness.
- Honoring Champions of Mental Health: Celebrate individuals and organizations leading the charge for change.
- Attire: Dress to impress in all-black gala wear—and keep it cool with your favorite sneakers, keeping our tradition of style and comfort alive.
Everyone has Mental Health
Unfortunately, discussing mental health challenges and conditions has often been met with fear and negative perceptions. Approximately 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness in a year, yet less than half receive the necessary assistance. To empower individuals to seek the support they need, it is imperative to destigmatize conversations around mental health and promote greater awareness of wellness. Last year, we successfully engaged over 78,000 individuals in community discussions, wellness seminars and events fostering a sense of normalcy around mental health and promoting early intervention through increased mental health literacy. STS is dedicated to forging significant partnerships and creating opportunities to expand our mental health literacy programs.
Why Support?
We engage youth and adults in programs that offer mental health education, suicide awareness and healthy self-care practices. Our communities have shared that:
- 85% of participants gained stronger mental health literacy
- 87% feel more willing to ask for help
- 88% improved college and career readiness
- 88% reported positive behavioral changes toward wellness
And we’re just getting started. Mental health stigma keeps too many people silent. We’re here to change that—sparking honest dialogue, celebrating healing, and empowering every voice. With your support, Silence the Shame is helping communities dance through the darkness, together.
Contributing to the Gala will enable us to continue offering vital programming to youth and adults in underserved communities, including conversation series, wellness seminars, and youth development activities. We kindly request your consideration in sponsoring the Gala, as your contribution will make a tremendous difference in our ability to plan and execute this event.
Sponsorship Benefits
All sponsors receive:
- Recognition on the Gala website, digital, and print materials
- Complimentary Tickets for a fully immersive gala experience
- Acknowledgment in post-event communications, highlighting your impact
Select sponsors enjoy additional exclusives:
- Reserved VIP seating for you and your guests
- Premium brand visibility during DJ set and in printed keepsake programs
- Opportunity to add a branded gift to guest swag bags
- Private, virtual mental health training for your organization and access to on-demand wellness resources
Please contact our Operations Director, Taimere Wood at tw@silencetheshame.com to learn more about available sponsorship opportunities.
