A night to save lives: The mission of Promise2Live

Promise2Live was founded by Brandy Vega, whose personal mission to prevent suicide began after nearly losing her 14-year-old daughter in 2021. During that time, Vega’s social media plea for help went viral, and her message resonated with families everywhere. The Promise2Live initiative was born out of this life-saving moment, inspiring others to make a promise to reach out for support in times of crisis. Studies show that people are up to 80% more likely to honor a commitment when they make a promise—a powerful tool in the fight against suicide.

A centerpiece of the Promise2Live movement is the “Pocket Hug,” a coin given to participants as a physical reminder that they are loved and important. If someone is feeling overwhelmed, they are encouraged to squeeze the Pocket Hug and remember that they matter. “Every 40 seconds, someone dies by suicide,” Vega emphasized, “but in that same amount of time, you can make the Promise2Live and potentially save a life.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ghost Rocket, The Laughing Otter and MelleBabyMusic play a major role in raising awareness for mental health and suicide prevention at the 3rd annual Promise2Live Livestream & Gala in Los Angeles, CA on September 10, 2024

Windsor, ON – September 11, 2024 – The 3rd Annual Promise2Live Global Livestream and Gala, held on September 10th at the iconic Avalon in West Hollywood, brought together a global community of influencers, musicians, and mental health advocates in honor of World Suicide Prevention Day. The event, which was live-streamed across major social media platforms, delivered an impactful message of hope, healing, and connection to millions of viewers worldwide. Behind the scenes and in the spotlight, Canadian talent and companies like Ghost Rocket, The Laughing Otter, and MelleBabyMusic played pivotal roles in making the event an unforgettable success.

Brandy Vega, (pictured right of center in a green dress) founder of Promise2Live, surrounded by several staff members and media personnel.

Canadian Talent shines on the global stage

Ghost Rocket played a vital role in ensuring the success of the event, overseeing event operations and logistics. The Canadian organization coordinated talent appearances on the red carpet, managed staffing and facilitated smooth transitions throughout the evening’s program. Their expertise in running high-profile events was instrumental in keeping the gala and livestream on schedule, ensuring that every moment ran without a hitch.

Pictured left to right: Jeff Bogensberger, Founder of The Laughing Otter; and The Laughing Otter with guitar influencer Davide

Alongside Ghost Rocket, The Laughing Otter—another Canadian company known for its uplifting social content and impactful campaigns—also played a significant part in the evening’s success. The Laughing Otter contributed to two standout segments: the “Donate-to-Win” fundraiser, where participants could win never-before-heard Jimi Hendrix recordings, and the Guitar Creator Showdown, an exhilarating competition featuring 14 of the world’s top guitar influencers. These guitarists traveled across Los Angeles for three days prior to the event, engaging in social media challenges to raise awareness for the livestream, culminating in a head-to-head guitar battle during the gala.

MelleBabyMusic, a Canadian Artist & Creator known for her mental health advocacy, also took the stage as part of the Guitar Creator Showdown. In a heartfelt post-performance interview, Melle shared her personal connection to the event’s mission. “I have been there, too. I think many people have, and many people are, and many people know people who are,” she said, reflecting on her own struggles with depression. “It’s important to be the person you would need in a moment of sadness.”

Pictured above: MelleBabyMusic, a succesful Canadian Guitar influencer and mental health advocate

Promise2Live: Continuing the fight against suicide

The global impact of the event saw tremendous success in reaching a large audience across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube. This year’s gala marked a significant milestone as the first to be held in Los Angeles, adding an extra layer of star power and visibility to the cause. The combination of heartfelt performances, inspiring speeches, and global engagement created an atmosphere of unity and hope.

As Promise2Live looks toward the future, plans are already in the works for the 4th annual global livestream and gala in 2025. With the goal of reaching an even larger audience and continuing the conversation around mental health and suicide prevention, Promise2Live remains committed to saving lives—one promise at a time.

Star - studded appearances highlight the night

The gala welcomed a star-studded guest list, including celebrities and influencers who lent their voices to the cause. Jon Voight, who was honored during the event, shared profound words in his post-award interview: “We’re here to give goodness, love, and light,” he said. “Sometimes, when we’re in a dark place, we need to turn ourselves out of those negative thoughts and bring ourselves back to the positive.” His remarks resonated with the audience, reminding everyone of the importance of finding light in difficult times.

Other notable appearances included Eliot Sloan from Blessed Union of Souls, who performed the hit song "I Believe," as well as actors Jenna Frank (JRAE), James Dixon, and Madchen Amick. Angel Carter-Conrad introduced a deeply emotional moment, honoring her late brother Aaron Carter before Sam DeRosa performed Aaron’s final written song, “Recovery.”

Pictured left to right: Dylan Berry, founder of Smashaus; Jon Voight, legendary actor; and Luke Danelon, Founder/CEO of Ghost Rocket.

Additional Images:

Above from left to right: Mike Williams - Event Operations, Ghost Rocket; Luke Danelon - Founder/CEO, Ghost Rocket; Brent Harvey - Owner/Founder, HMMA/HIMA’s

Above from left to right: Brandy Vega - Founder, Promise2Live; Jon Voight; James Dixon