JDC Programs & Events (1425x475)

Annual Luncheon

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Join us at the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Depression Center’s Annual Luncheon with our guest speaker Sean Astin!

Sean Astin is an actor, director, and author, Sean is known for his roles in The Lord of the Rings, The Goonies, Rudy, and Stranger Things. As a dedicated mental health advocate, inspired in large part by his mother, Academy Award–winning actress Patty Duke, and as President of SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists), he continues to elevate his impact in advancing mental health awareness.

We are also honored to recognize Ann Benson Reidy as this year’s George Wiegers Memorial Award recipient.

Friday, October 23, 2026
12:00 p.m.

Please consider being a sponsor for our annual fundraising event by contacting Brittany Pittman at 303.724.4977 or Brittany.Pittman@cuanschutz.edu.

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

2026 Luncheon Committee

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

Previous JDC Annual Luncheon presentations:


Brendan Hunt, Writer/Actor, 2024

Michelle Williams, Singer/Actress, 2023

Brandon Marshall, NFL Player, 2022

Missy Franklin, Olympic Swimmer, 2021

C. Neill Epperson, Psychiatrist, 2020

Jeremy Bloom, Olympic Skier, 2019

Jean Twenge, Psychologist, and Nir Eyal, Author, 2018


Psychiatry

CU Anschutz

Anschutz Health Sciences Building

1890 N Revere Ct

Suite 4003

Mail Stop F546

Aurora, CO 80045


303-724-4940

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