Philanthropy and Fun Come Together to Celebrate Life!
A Celebration of Life is a movement focused on inspiring hope and at the same time remembering lives that have been lost to suicide.
The evening creates special moments and appreciation for life while raising funds to support Minding Your Mind’s mental health education programs.
By attending this hallmark event, you will make an immediate impact in the lives of students and communities in the greater Philadelphia region.
A Celebration of Life: Philadelphia 2025 Planning Committee
Mary Auletta
Drew Bergman
Quincy Blubaugh
Louis DeSanto
Kristen Harootunian
Siah McCabe
Bridget Merenda
Rachel Potts
Maddie Quirk
Pat Scher
Emily Turner
Hannah Vrancken
Owen Vrancken
We are excited that A Celebration of Life: Philadelphia returns to the City Winery Philadelphia, an urban winery and concert venue. City Winery provides a unique atmosphere — a spacious setting with an intimate ambiance, perfect for connecting with attendees and ensuring a night to remember.
Become a Sponsor
Put your company or organization in front of hundreds of Philadelphia young professionals and thousands of Minding Your Mind supporters by becoming a sponsor for A Celebration of Life: Philadelphia. Download the 2025 Sponsorship Information packet for more information.
Please write “A Celebration of Life: Philadelphia” or “ACOLP” in the COMMENT box.
History of Celebration of Life
Kyle Craig
A Celebration of Life began in 2011 to honor the memory of Kyle Craig, a 21-year-old student at Vanderbilt University who took his life in May of 2010. Kyle was a dynamic friend to many; a bright, handsome, and gifted individual across music and athletics, but whose strength of character enabled his growing struggles to be hidden from view.
When Kyle’s friends returned to Vanderbilt after his death, they felt his absence deeply and wanted to honor his memory. Kyle loved music and the comradery of friends, so his fraternity brothers pulled together a music festival with Kyle’s favorite band. At the festival they wanted to talk about mental health and they invited a speaker from Minding Your Mind to address the crowd. That festival was named “A Celebration of Life.”
In the 14 years since it began in Nashville, this annual event has expanded to New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, engaging thousands of young professionals in the service of suicide prevention and mental health awareness.