Hope for Depression Research Foundation
Style icon and depression advocate Audrey Gruss perfume hope – “the uplifting fragrance,” continues to garner critical acclaim. The collection, which is developing new products for 2020, currently consists of an Eau de Parfum Vaporisateur Spray; an Eau de Parfum Purse Spray; a Hand and Body Crème and a heavenly scented candle. This elegant collection is available online at hopefragrances.com Thanks to Gruss, this trendsetting fragrance will give 100% of its net profits to the Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF) to fund much-needed research for new drugs and treatments to fight depression. “This glorious fragrance stands on its own, but the charitable message empowers you to give back with a product that keeps on giving.” Said Gruss. The fragrance was created in collaboration with Firmenich’s master perfumer Honorine Blanc, while the chic packaging was designed by award-winning designer Marc Rosen.
Inspired by Hope
At a memorable lunch to celebrate the perfume and mothers, Nicky Hilton Rothschild, Lorraine Bracco, Hilary Geary Ross, Karen LeFrak, Jamee Gregory, Candace Bushnell and Dayssi Kanavos gathered at tables festooned with lily of the valley, jasmine, gardenia and tuberose, the blooms that are used in the perfume to celebrate the perfume that’s named after Gruss’s mother Hope. “My mother, whose name was Hope, suffered from depression but loved white flowers and surrounded herself with them. She loved the pure and delicate essences and the sense of joy they brought her. I was inspired by her memory to create this fragrance, just as I was inspired 11-years ago to start the Hope for Depression Research Foundation,” said Gruss. HDRF is the leading non-profit dedicated to advanced depression research in the United States. It is funding the most innovative neuroscience research into the origins, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of depression and other mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, post-traumatic stress syndrome, anxiety disorder and suicide.
Anderson Cooper Ashley Judd, & Brooke Shields
This year, Gruss was honored by Palm Beach Atlantic (PBA) University in Florida at their 28th Annual Women of Distinction Luncheon at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach. The event honors women who have made significant contributions to the community with event proceeds funding scholarships for young women at the University. HDRF honored writer Ali Wentworth at their annual symposium and lunch. Over the last 12 years, they have given awards to Ashley Judd, Anderson Cooper, Brooke Shields, Mariel Hemmingway and Mayor de Blasio’s daughter Chiara de Blasio.
Science Award for Women
Audrey, who is a fixture on best-dressed lists, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy from the University of Haifa, for her courage and perseverance in creating a research foundation to support this visionary mission. She graduated with honors from Tufts University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. A fellow of Tufts University, she has also established The Audrey Butvay Gruss Science Award for women. In 2010, HDRF launched its Depression Task Force – a brilliant collaboration of seven leading scientists, at the frontiers of brain science, from different research institutions across the U.S. and Canada. These scientists have developed an unprecedented research strategy that integrates the most advanced knowledge in genetics, epigenetics, molecular biology, electrophysiology, and brain imaging. To accelerate breakthrough research, they share ongoing results, in real time, at the HDRF Data Center.
