Brooke Shields talks mental health at Sound Minds in Naples; actor named 2025 speaker

An actress, author and the "Face of the '80s" visited Naples recently to discuss mental health and raise money for David Lawrence Centers.

Brooke Shields spoke Thursday at Sound Minds, the signature event of David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health, Collier County's only comprehensive, not-for-profit behavioral health provider.

The event raised $1.5 million to provide access to care for county children, families, and adults, regardless of an individual’s ability to pay for services.

Brooke Shields 'spoke candidly about her mental health journey'

In a conversation with mental health advocate Jennifer Trammell, Shields "deftly navigated between heartfelt and humorous," David Lawrence Centers said in a news release.

"She spoke candidly about her mental health journey, first as an idolized child star, then through her mother’s battle with alcoholism, and culminating with her frightening experience with post-partum depression," the release said.

"Recognizing the critical need to address mental health issues and destigmatize conversations surrounding them, Shields has become a vocal proponent for open dialogue and understanding."

Shields, who began as a child model at 11 months old before co-starring in movies by age 9 in "Sweet Baby" in 1978. Other films included "Blue Lagoon" (1980) and "Endless Love" (1981). In the 1980s, Brookes modeled in print and TV ads for Calvin Klein Jeans and appearing on numerous magazine covers that made her one of the most recognizable people in the world for that decade.

Sound Minds event continues to grow, 2024 chairs say

John and Amy Quinn, who chaired Sound Minds, are local philanthropists and mental health advocates whose Fountain 33 Foundation was the presenting sponsor.

“This event not only shines a spotlight on mental health awareness, but it has also become a must-attend evening in our community,” said Amy Quinn in the release.

“We have seen this event grow into one we will look forward to each social season,” added John Quinn.

Actor Dennis Quaid to speak at 2025 Sound Minds in Naples

David Lawrence Centers on Thursday night also revealed that Emmy Award-winning actor and two-time Golden Globe Nominee Dennis Quaid will take the Sound Minds stage for its event next season.

Known for his roles in hit films “The Rookie,” “The Day After Tomorrow,” “Traffic,” “Vantage Point,” “Frequency” and "The Right Stuff," Quaid also co-starred with Jake Gyllenhaal in Disney’s animated adventure film “Strange World.”

On the film and television side, Quaid's recent big- screen credits include starring roles in Netflix’s uplifting film “Blue Miracle,” Sony’s thriller “The Intruder,” Universal’s “A Dog’s Journey,” and “A Dog’s Purpose,” and Roadside Attractions’ “I Can Only Imagine,” among others.

Quaid recently completed production portraying the 40th president of the United States in the biopic “Reagan,” produced by Mark Joseph and directed by Sean McNamara. Alongside his acting career, Quaid is also a singer-songwriter and recording and touring musician who’s been playing music since his grandfather bought him his first guitar.

Who benefits from the fundraiser

Money raised helps with the growing demand and cost for mental health and substance use services in Collier County. David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health is the county’s only comprehensive, behavioral health provider.

Sound Minds is the not-for-profit's signature event, Sound Minds that helps raise critical funding intended to provide access to care for children, families, and adults.

Past speakers at Sound Minds

Actress Goldie Hawn headlined the 2023 event. Past speakers also have included a Columbine shooting survivor, national experts, actors and legislators who have been impacted personally by behavioral health challenges.

Dave Osborn is the regional features editor of the Naples Daily News and News-Press. Follow him on Instagram and Threads @lacrossewriter.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Brooke Shields talks mental health in Naples; actor named 2025 speaker