Journey to Brave 2026 Highlights
Journey to Brave started off with a sold out room full of people who care deeply about this community and believe mental health and substance use care should be easier to access for every person who needs it.
On May 1st, supporters from across Guilford County and North Carolina gathered at Starmount Forest Country Club for an evening benefiting the Kellin Foundation and the continued growth of the Hope Hub. Dressed in cocktail attire and ready to celebrate, guests spent the evening reconnecting with friends, meeting new faces, and rallying around a shared commitment to care, connection, and community.
By the end of the night, Journey to Brave had raised just under $125,000, exceeding this year’s fundraising goal.
There was joy in the room all evening long. Guests laughed through spirited rounds of Heads or Tails and lined up for the Golden Ticket, hoping for the chance to walk away with the prize of their choice. During the Dessert Dash, tables pooled their bids and strategized like old friends around a game table, trying to outbid neighboring groups before their favorite desserts disappeared. Before long, slices of delicious donated cakes and trays of pastries were weaving through the ballroom as tables celebrated their wins and passed desserts around the room.
The silent auction gave guests the chance to bid on an incredible collection of experiences, artwork, dining packages, entertainment, and local treasures donated by businesses and supporters across the Triad.
Later in the evening, supporters came together during Fund a Need to invest directly in the future of the Hope Hub and the expansion of accessible care in Guilford County. Paddle after paddle went into the air as guests gave toward a future where children, adults, and families can reach support earlier and stay connected to care under one roof.
The excitement continued into the live auction, where guests bid on a wide range of experiences and items, including trips, entertainment packages, and even a diamond pendant from Schiffman's Jewelers.
Journey to Brave is intentionally held on May 1st to open National Mental Health Month. Funds raised throughout the evening support the Kellin Foundation’s work to provide earlier and easier access to mental health and substance use services, peer support, wraparound care, community education, and integrated supports for children, adults, seniors, and families throughout Guilford County.
The evening closed with the presentation of the 2026 Journey Awards, honoring individuals whose work continues to shape and strengthen this community in lasting ways.
This year’s recipients were:
• Journey Award in Community: Tiffany Jacobs of Forge Greensboro
• Journey Award in Education: Dee Craven of Guilford Partnership for Children
• Journey Award in Business: Melissa Slade Smith of Greensboro Chamber of Commerce
We are deeply grateful to every sponsor, donor, volunteer, auction donor, planning committee member, board member, and guest who helped make the evening what it was.
Thank you for showing up, celebrating with us, and continuing to believe in this work.