As the holiday season approaches—a time that can heighten stress, loneliness, and anxiety for many—one South Florida organization is working to bring joy, connection, and critical mental health support to the community. The DRT Brain Love Foundation will host its annual Holiday Blues fundraiser on Monday, Dec. 8 at the L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center’s Victory Black Box Theater in Historic Sistrunk.
The evening, now in its third year, blends entertainment with purpose. Guests can expect a lively mix of comedy, singing, and performances from local artists and veterans. The event will also feature world-renowned saxophonist Mike Phillips as part of the show’s live band. Attendees will kick off the night with a 6 p.m. networking hour complete with holiday cuisine and desserts catered by Garden of Soul, followed by a creative showcase at 7 p.m. and a post-event reception at 9 p.m.
But at the heart of Holiday Blues is the foundation’s mission to expand access to mental health care—particularly for communities that have long been underserved.
Founded in 2018 by psychiatrist Dr. Delvena, the DRT Brain Love Foundation works to break the silence around mental illness through culturally sensitive programs focused on awareness, prevention, and treatment. The organization also provides financial assistance to both new and existing patients seeking mental health services, ensuring cost is not a barrier to getting help.
Their work is grounded in a whole-person approach—recognizing that mental health is shaped not only by clinical needs, but also by culture, environment, and community support. According to global data, someone dies by suicide every 40 seconds, and depression and anxiety remain among the most common medical conditions worldwide. The foundation aims to shift those outcomes by empowering individuals with coping tools, early-intervention education, and access to compassionate care.
This year’s Holiday Blues production is supported by the Broward County Cultural Division, with additional sponsorship from Ambetter Health. For the past year, the foundation has partnered with the L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center to host regular live events centered on mental wellness—an effort that has received strong community feedback.
The fundraiser will take place in Historic Sistrunk, Fort Lauderdale’s oldest African American neighborhood, often referred to as the “Heart and Soul of the City.” Organizers say they intentionally selected the venue to keep mental health resources rooted in the communities that need them most.
Tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and vending spaces are now available, with all proceeds going directly toward helping South Floridians access mental health services.
This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.
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