Karena Dawn and The Big Silence are grateful for all the support we received for our launch event in Austin, TX, Saturday, March 12, 2022.

It was a beautiful day at Villa Artique. People from around the greater Austin area and beyond gathered to come support the cause and introduce their friends, family, and colleagues to The Big Silence. The crowd was a mix of entrepreneurs, musicians, artists, actors, business owners, wellness experts and community members dedicated to offering support, and learning about resources to help bring healing to anyone affected by mental illness.

For the kickoff of the event, DJ Shivarasa set the mood and blew everyone away with her amazing set.

After the DJ's set, James Nicholas Kinney drew everyone together to sing along in a lively rendition of The Big Silence theme song. 

At the heart of the event was the mental health thought leadership panel moderated by Karena Dawn. Dawn led an open conversation with musicians Dylan Dunlap, Shivarasa, and global executive James Nicholas Kinney about their personal struggles, and their realizations related to mental health. Panelists reflected on generational and situational mental health issues they had faced in life, and shared the impact of the struggles they experienced. They then reflected on the tools and resources that helped them to find a way through the difficult times in order to reconnect and reinvest in their lives and dreams with renewed hope.

After the conversation James Kinney enlivened the crowd with a freestyle, and then performed a reprise of our favorite song - The Big Silence theme song! Dylan Dunlap then performed a set which had everyone feeling the music.

The event offered a variety of mood-boosting supplements for guests to sample and learn about, including: Altwell CBD gummies (new flavor blueberry-elderflower created especially for The Big Silence!), Energy Shots (vitamin injections) from Alive and Well Austin, and Lifeway Keifer for mind/gut health.

Tone It Up and Blenders and Bowls provided sweet healthy treat options. Tipsy refreshments were provided by Nocking Point Wine. Kin Euphorics offered guests an NA option. ZenWTR kept us all hydrated while the crowd enjoyed food from Austin’s favorite food trucks, including the brisket burger from Leroy & Lewis and street tacos from EL Alma. Guests participated in a silent auction, and received gift bags including a fine assortment of goods from event sponsors including Tone It Up, Altwell, and Scruggs Group.

The panel and performances were recorded and released for The Big Silence podcast, LISTEN or WATCH.

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

      

Thank you as well to these special contributors

Thank you so much to our volunteers!

And a special thanks to APL for providing shoes to keep them comfy on their toes all day!