Nashville’s philanthropic community recently gathered on a sunny, albeit brisk, spring day as Centerstone hosted its 11th annual Reclaiming Lives Luncheon at the elegant Four Seasons Hotel Nashville. Recently honored by Nfocus as Best Luncheon in both 2024 and 2025, the event continues to shine as one of the city’s most impactful midday gatherings.
Co-chaired by Julie and Adam Dretler, the luncheon welcomed a full ballroom of over 600 civic leaders, business professionals, advocates and supporters united by a shared commitment to expand mental health care access in Tennessee.
The highlight of the afternoon was keynote speaker John Delony, national bestselling author and host of The Dr. John Delony Show. Known for his approachable and deeply human perspective on emotional health, John delivered a powerful message drawn from his latest book, Building a Non-Anxious Life. Blending humor with practical wisdom, he left the audience with simple tools for managing anxiety and encouraged guests to do something uncomfortable each day to build resilience.
For instance, John described how he challenged himself to perform a 10-minute comedy set at Zanies Comedy Club, far outside his comfort zone. The experience pushed him so much that he returned the following week to perform a full 20-minute routine. He admitted it was nerve-racking, but the luncheon audience agreed he was funny enough to hold his own as a stand-up comedian. His candid storytelling filled the ballroom with laughter, creating moments of connection that underscored his message: Growth often begins just beyond fear.
Beyond inspiration, the luncheon served a critical purpose. Funds raised directly support Centerstone’s mental health programs, ensuring Tennesseans can access counseling, crisis services and essential behavioral health care when they need it most.
The event, Centerstone’s largest fundraiser, remains a powerful reminder that when a community comes together with compassion and intention, hope and healing follow.