Summary - CU Helen and Arthur E Johnson Depression Center Annual Luncheon

The Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Depression Center’s Annual Luncheon.

Friday, October 23, 2026
12:00 PM

We are thrilled to announce that our 2026 Luncheon Speaker will be Sean Astin - acclaimed actor, filmmaker and author.

Sean is best known for his roles in The Lord of the Rings, The Goonies, Rudy, and Stranger Things. He is also a dedicated advocate for literacy and mental health, supporting numerous nonprofit initiatives. Sean serves as President of SAG-AFTRA, where he continues to elevate his impact in advancing mental health awareness. Sean’s mother, the late actress Patty Duke, was one of Hollywood’s first stars to share her mental health diagnosis publicly and devoted much of her time to advocating for and educating the public on mental health.

The 2026 JDC Luncheon will also include recognition of Ann Benson Reidy as this year’s George Wiegers Memorial Award recipient.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about how the JDC continues to make an impact on mental health care, community engagements, and research.

Net proceeds from this annual luncheon help transform lives by providing community programs, educational events, and services.

2026 Luncheon Committee

Carol McDermott Co-Chair and David Orlovsky Co-Chair, Connie Wiegers, Ann Sparks, Maggie Armstrong, Montee Ball, Caroline Czirr, and Liz Richards

YOUR SUPPORT HAS REAL IMPACT!

Community and workplace education programs are an important part of the JDC mission. Your donations directly impact our ability to provide suicide prevention and other critically important education and training programs to diverse community groups and corporations.

Please reach out to us if you have any questions by contacting Brittany Pittman at Brittany.Pittman@cuanschutz.edu.

Refunds can be made until September 30, 2026. Registrants who cancel by that date can elect a refund or donate the registration fee. After October 1, 2026, no refunds will be processed.

All gifts in support of the University of Colorado are processed and receipted by the University of Colorado Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable entity.

Net proceeds from this event will go towards the Johnson Depression Center Fund, which includes entertainment (tax ID number: 84-6049811). This fund supports providing community programs, educational events, and services.

We welcome sponsorships from individuals and corporations. In light of IRS clarifications of charitable donation rules, the University of Colorado and University of Colorado Foundation cannot accept sponsorships from donor-advised funds, private foundations, or qualified charitable distributions from a donor’s IRA (QCD), unless the sponsor waives all benefits from the sponsorship, including attendance at the sponsored event.

Net Proceeds benefit/support the CU Johnson Depression Center. The estimated Fair Market Value (FMV) of goods & services provided is as follows: Pre-Luncheon Event, $48 pp, Luncheon, $ 153 pp/$ 1,530 per table; customized education programs – community or workplace, $ 350 per training.

Countdown to the Event