In an effort to fund research projects that pursue better treatments for a host of mental illnesses, the Foundation of Hope for Research & Treatment of Mental Illness invites supporters of mental health to its annual Evening of Hope gala. Presented by CPI Security, this year’s event will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at the glittering Pavilion at the Angus Barn. The evening will feature live and silent auctions, a 5-course dinner prepared by Chef Walter Royal, impeccable wine pairings, and celebrity guest speaker Elizabeth Vargas.

In her career as an investigative journalist and newsmagazine correspondent, Ms. Vargas earned an Emmy Award and a seat as an anchor on both World News Tonight and 20/20. Her 2016 memoir, Between Breaths: A Memoir of Panic and Addiction, chronicled her battles with alcoholism and anxiety disorder, and became an immediate New York Times bestseller. The Foundation of Hope is honored to feature Ms. Vargas as its keynote speaker.

One of the Triangle’s premier fundraisers, the Evening of Hope promises to be an inspiring evening for all. Seats are $500 each; a table of 10 is $5,000. Funds raised will benefit mental health research at the UNC-Chapel Hill Department of Psychiatry, as well as community groups serving the Triangle.

For tickets, call 919-781-9255, or email Blair Smallman at blair@walkforhope.com. Sponsorship opportunities are available.