Most Decorated Olympian Michael Phelps to speak at the Kids' Minds Matter 2025 Signature Gala

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Aug. 16, 2024 - PRLog -- Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, will tell his mental health story March 12, 2025 at the Kids' Minds Matter Signature Gala in Naples. The swimmer will share how he began to put equal emphasis on his physical and mental health after living with depression and anxiety for years. The event is designed to help remove the stigma of mental health issues, raising awareness and necessary funds to expand services for children and families.

The theme for the event is "The Ripple Effect: Creating Circles of Support for Children," diving deeper into the impacts of supporting children's mental health on every member of the family as well as the entire community. Since 2016, Kids' Minds Matter has raised money and awareness to improve access to pediatric mental and behavioral health care in our region through Lee Health and Golisano Children's Hospital, and their community partners.

"The Toler Foundation stands with Kids' Minds Matter in supporting the mental well-being of our community's children," said Debbie Toler, who is co-chairing the event with her husband, Bill. "Mental Health doesn't just affect the child; it has a ripple effect as family members are impacted also. Together, we can provide much needed, targeted services which enables the best opportunity for children to thrive."

Last year, the event raised a record $2.2 million. Kids' Minds Matter founders Scott Spiezle and Susan Goldy will serve as the 2025 honorary co-chairs.

Philanthropic support in 2025 will help Golisano Children's Hospital with:

• Expansion of clinics throughout the Southwest Florida area to serve families close to home.
• Development of an Intensive Outpatient Program for Psychiatric and Psychological Health, which will provide structured therapeutic services to promote long-term well-being for children.
• Growth of the Mental Health Navigator program in local schools supporting at-risk children and their families through mental health challenges.
• Increasing awareness of educational programs, classes, and training sessions available for families to better understand and manage mental health issues.

The event begins at 5:30 p.m. March 12, 2025, at Arthrex One in Naples. Registration is $500 per ticket. For information about the event, sponsorship opportunities and to register, visit KidsMindsMatter.com/Gala.