Robbie’s Hope invites you to Mental Health Awareness Gala

Westfield High School’s Robbie’s Hope Club invites the community to a special event focused on teen mental health and suicide prevention. The gala is set for 6:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 16 at the IMMI Conference Center, 18880 East St., Westfield. Get your tickets now at tinyurl.com/RobbiesHope2026.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Kari Eckert, a founder of the national Robbie’s Hope organization and mother of Robbie Eckert, as well as several student speakers and performers from Westfield High School. The event will be catered by Foodies Rock, offering a variety of appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Additionally, a silent auction will offer attendees the chance to bid on exciting items, adding an extra layer of engagement to the evening.

Dr. Jill Biden, Former First Lady of the United States, commented on the work of Robbie’s Hope Club following a visit to Westfield High School in 2023.

“We just heard from a group of amazing young people who founded a chapter of Robbie’s Hope on campus, so the students here can help each other through their struggles with mental health,” Biden said. “To … all the students joining us, thank you for your leadership. Never underestimate your power – to help, to hope, and to heal.”

John Cason, Westfield High School’s Student Body Vice President, shared his thoughts on the impact of Robbie’s Hope.

“I think Robbie’s Hope has brought our community and school together over such a great cause!” Cason said. “It brings awareness towards things that we all experience and makes our school feel more accepting and supportive of everyone. I really think having this team makes our school feel more inclusive and welcoming to all!”

Those interested in supporting the event through sponsorship or by donating items for the silent auction can contact the club at whsrobbieshope@gmail.com. Donations such as gift cards or other items are a great way to show support and promote local businesses.

Eckert emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness and community engagement.

“The Robbie’s Hope Westfield Club has been one of the most passionate, engaged, and organized groups of young people we work with across the country,” Eckert said. “The high schoolers involved with Robbie’s Hope Westfield are making a significant impact and creating meaningful change in the Westfield community and beyond. By breaking the stigma surrounding youth mental health and facilitating important conversations, they are working to prevent youth suicide. The Robbie’s Hope Westfield youth are doing just that.”

Tickets for the event are available for purchase at tinyurl.com/RobbiesHope2026. The Westfield Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, supports students and staff within the Westfield Washington Schools district.

With your support, you can raise awareness about teen suicide through the WHS Robbie’s Hope Club.

About Robbie’s Hope Club
Robbie’s Hope Club at Westfield High School is dedicated to raising awareness and removing the stigma surrounding teen mental health. Over the past three years, the club has held its annual gala, raising over $10,000 each year in support of mental health initiatives. The funds have been used to support events like the Save A Life Walk, Hopeful Drive, Movie Nights, car washes, educational Coaches Conferences, Hope Run, and other fundraising activities.

Founded after the tragic loss of Robbie Eckert to suicide, Robbie’s Hope is committed to educating communities and preventing the heartache experienced by Robbie’s family. In Indiana, suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10 to 34, according to the CDC.

Robbie’s Hope, based in Denver, Colo., was established by Robbie Eckert’s parents after his untimely death at the age of 15 in 2018. Robbie’s peers, teachers, and family were unaware of the mental health struggles he faced. Through Robbie’s Hope, a national movement is underway to raise awareness about youth mental health and promote the message that “it’s okay to not be okay,” and that there is always hope: “Hold On, Pain Ends” (Kari Eckert).

With support from the National Robbie’s Hope organization, the goal is to reduce teen suicide rates in half by the year 2028. Learn more at Robbies-Hope.com.