Mental health struggles often stay hidden behind closed doors until tragedy forces families and communities to confront them.
That is exactly why the Houston Cares Foundation is bringing those conversations into the open through its upcoming Hearts of Gold Mental Health Gala, taking place Sunday, May 17, in Houston.
During a recent interview on Houston City Beat’s Let’s Talk, host Lisbet Newton spoke with Houston Cares Foundation Executive Director Nicky Ferguson and board member Lady Kaye Jones about the event and the deeper mission driving it.
“We want to give you some helpful information,” Ferguson said. “What to do, what not to do, to get help, speak up.”
The gala is designed to blend education, healing, entertainment, and community connection. Guests can expect live singers, dancers, ballet performances, and mental health discussions centered around practical resources and awareness.
Turning Pain Into Purpose
Ferguson explained that the inspiration for the gala grew from her own experiences surviving domestic violence and witnessing how closely mental health struggles are tied to abuse, trauma, and crisis situations.
“I didn’t tell my family until a gun came out,” Ferguson shared during the interview.
Houston Cares Foundation initially focused heavily on domestic violence awareness events, but Ferguson said mental health repeatedly emerged as the underlying issue affecting individuals and families.
“People are not facing the fact that your family member, your mom, or your dad have some mental issues, and we can’t just keep it in the family and brush it under the rug,” she said.
According to Ferguson, untreated mental health struggles can create cycles of violence, instability, and emotional trauma that ripple through entire families and communities. The goal of the gala is to encourage people to seek help before situations escalate into tragedy.
A Gala Designed Around Community
The event will be held at Prosperity Event Hall, a venue Ferguson described as beautifully designed and fully prepared to create an uplifting atmosphere for guests.
Attendees will also experience a catered dinner curated by Lady Kaye Jones and her team, featuring smoked chicken breast with lemon butter herb garlic sauce, cilantro lime rice, green beans, salad, rolls, and the organization’s signature rose tea.
Jones described the culinary experience as part of creating an environment where people feel welcomed, comfortable, and cared for.
“This is gonna be one to talk about,” she said with a laugh.
More Than an Event
Beyond the gala itself, Houston Cares Foundation continues to serve individuals and families facing economic hardship, domestic violence situations, and mental health challenges throughout the Houston area.
Ferguson shared one story that particularly stayed with her involving a father and his young daughter living in a hotel near a Walmart parking lot during the holidays. Rather than simply giving money, Ferguson purchased groceries, meals, household supplies, and eventually Christmas gifts for the family while helping them stay connected to additional resources.
“The little girl hugged me like she knew me,” Ferguson recalled.
Houston Cares Foundation also partners with organizations that provide safe housing, domestic violence intervention, and additional support services for people trying to rebuild stability in their lives.
Let Love Lead
Ferguson has even turned music into part of the organization’s outreach efforts.
She wrote the lyrics to the foundation’s theme song, Let Love Lead, which is available on major streaming platforms and reflects the organization’s mission to help people know they are not alone.
“All my music is geared toward domestic violence and mental health,” Ferguson said. “Basically, to let you know that you’re not alone.”
As Houston continues grappling with rising mental health challenges across communities, organizers hope the Hearts of Gold Mental Health Gala can serve as more than just an evening event.
They hope it becomes a starting point for healing conversations that many families have avoided for far too long.
