Glenn Close Honored at Jed Foundation Infinite Possibilities Gala

On Thursday, June 10, actress Glenn Close was honored with the Voice of Mental Health Award at the ninth annual Jed Foundation Gala for her work in "bringing awareness to the emotional world of depression." The annual event takes time to recognize celebrities and media professionals who bring awareness to the causes that the Jed Foundation works to alleviate, as well as empower young people to take full control of their mental health so that they may reach their full potential.

This year's Infinite Possibilities Gala took place at Gustavino's restaurant on Manhattan's Upper East Side. Melissa Rivers was the evening's host, and presenters included Gossip Girl star Connor Paolo, Anna Chlumsky and hockey legend Rod Gilbert. Harry Shum, who stars in Glee as Mike Chang and is also a member of an online dance phenomenon called LXD (check it out, seriously), performed.

Ms. Close was the evening's guest of honor for her work helping to fight the stigma that depression faces in our society and her creation of Bring Change 2 Mind, a not-for-profit organization the actress started with her sister and nephew, both of whom suffer from mental illness. Gilmore Girls star Alexis Bledel presented the Damages star with her award.

In addition to Ms. Close, the event also honored the Emmy Award-winning creator and executive producer of Intervention, Sam Mettler, who received the Media Award; the Staglin Family Vineyard, which received the Corporate Award; and the Emmy Award-winning producer of Titanic and Avatar, Jon Landau. Landau was honored along with cast members from the PSAs he produced earlier in the year for the Jed Foundation.

The Gala also featured the unveiling of celebrity photographer Tyler Shields' newest exhibition, a gallery entitled "It's On My Mind." The exhibit features portraits of celebrities including Anna Chlumsky, Brittany Snow, Heather Matarazzo, Haylie Duff, Anna Chlumsky, Constantine Maroulis and Melissa Rivers. By lending their faces and names to the causes that the Jed Foundation supports, these celebrities help send the message to teenagers and adults suffering from depression that there should be no stigma attached to mental illness, and if someone is experiencing emotional difficulties, they should not be afraid to seek help.

Photos by Jamie McCarthy/WireImage.