Wave Strong To Host 'Hope In Action' Luncheon In Darien

DARIEN, CT — The Wave Strong Foundation will hold its second annual "Hope in Action" luncheon on Sept. 18 at the Country Club of Darien, aiming to raise funds and awareness for mental health initiatives and suicide prevention.

This year’s event, scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., will feature keynote speakers Gina and Steve Meyer, founders of the Katie’s Save Foundation. The couple launched the organization in honor of their daughter, Katie Meyer, a Stanford University soccer player who died by suicide in 2022 at age 22.

"Katie’s Save fights for systemic changes at colleges and universities to promote mental health, protect students and prevent suicides," said Gina Meyer in a prepared statement. "We are hopeful that Katie’s spirit — inclusive, loyal and protective — will live on through the work that we do as we fight for change and to shine a spotlight on the challenges facing student athletes across the nation as they juggle academics, intense training and social pressures, often without any additional support."

Katie Meyer’s death prompted national conversations about mental health among student-athletes and the support available to students facing disciplinary action.

In 2024, the advocacy efforts of the Meyers and their foundation helped lead to the passage of California Assembly Bill 1575, known as Katie Meyer’s Law.

The law requires educational institutions to allow students undergoing disciplinary procedures to designate a trusted adult advisor outside the university, who will be informed of relevant processes and trained in providing support.

"Wave Strong has been committed to destigmatizing mental health for the residents of Darien for the past three years, as well as reinforcing the message that there is strength in community when we come together over a shared mission,” said Tracy McEvoy, president of the Wave Strong Foundation, in a prepared statement. "We are hopeful that the conversations we are starting, and the actions we are taking, are igniting positive, lasting change to ensure no one struggles in silence."

Funds raised from the luncheon will support Wave Strong’s local mental health awareness programs and community initiatives. The Darien-based organization provides scholarships and grants aimed at reducing stigma and increasing access to mental health resources.

Tickets for the event are available here.

More information about the Katie’s Save Foundation and Wave Strong Foundation is available at www.katiessave.org and wavestrong.org.